St. Augustine Ponte Vedra 2008 Travel Planner - (Page 58) Fort Mose Historic State Park Travel fewer than three miles from Castillo de San Marcos to the Intracoastal Waterway and you’ll discover Fort Mose Historic State Park, a salt marshland that teems with life and hides a rich, historic past. Fort Mose was established in 1738 and served as the first legal settlement for freed African slaves in the United States. It was also Spain’s northern line of defense when it was attacked in 1740 by General Oglethorpe. With aid from the Black Militia, the Spaniards were victorious but, unfortunately, Fort Mose was destroyed by fire. The fort was rebuilt in 1752, but abandoned in 1763 when Britain gained control of Florida. In 1994, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its historical significance. Today, no trace of the Fort exists, and the 26-acre site is home only to osprey, wading birds and the occasional bald eagle. Watch the park’s residents soar overhead while you lunch at picnic tables or under the park’s covered pavilion, imagining the lives of those who once lived here. The park’s newly paved parking lot leads to a 1,000-foot boardwalk and observation area with amazing views of miles of tidal marsh and the site of the fort. Student programs allow children to learn about the site’s history while on walking tours. Each February, Fort Mose and the nearby Castillo de San Marcos honor the Fort’s history by hosting the “Flight to Freedom” AfricanAmerican heritage celebration. Visitors can experience a similar “journey” that freed slaves took in the 1700s from North Carolina to Fort Mose. African arts & crafts, food, dancers, singers and costumed reenactors make this a great experience for any visitor. Fort Mose Historic State Park is located on Fort Mose Trail off U.S. 1. State parks hours are 8 a.m. at sundown, daily. 904-461-2033 Fort Mose Historic State Park GRANDE VILLAS AT WORLD GOLF VILLAGE This resort is a year-round golfer’s mecca that offers two championship 18-hole courses designed by legendary golf pros Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. There’s plenty to do for non-golfers, as well. Have some fun on the tennis courts, basketball court and volleyball net or pump some iron in the fitness center. Restaurants, shopping, an IMAX® theater and the World Golf Hall of Fame® are also just a short walk away. The villas offer fully equipped kitchens, private balconies and plenty of space for families to enjoy their stay. With miles of pristine beaches nearby, Grande Villas has everything you’re seeking for a fun-loving family vacation. bluegreen VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S ® 100 Front Nine Dr., St. Augustine www.bluegreenrentals.com 866-567-5209 904-940-2000 Reader Response 33 58 http://www.bluegreenrentals.com http://www.bluegreenrentals.com
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