A visit to St. Augustine, Florida is incomplete without exploring the rich African American heritage that actually changed our nation’s history and inspired the world.
I recently attended the First America Heritage program called “The Road to Freedom-African Americans in Florida”. It was a fascinating look into the role St. Augustine played as the birthplace of African American history. Written records dating back to St. Augustine’s founding in 1565 mention free Africans!
In keeping with St. Augustine’s “firsts” and “oldest” place in history, look at these notable moments in history and special places to visit…AND THEY AREN’T YOUR TYPICAL ATTRACTIONS…
- The first birth of a black child was here in 1606!
- Fort Mose – first recognized “Free” community of ex-slaves in 1738
- The Underground Railroad first ran South to Spanish Florida… rather than North..and guess where?? To St. Augustine.
- “Slave Market” – public market house used to sell slaves and also a focal point for the civil rights movement in the 1960′s
- Historic Lincolnville – formerly known as “Little Africa” was a thriving neighborhood established in 1866 by former slaves. It played a major role in the civil rights movement in the 1960′s
- St Cyprian’s Episcopal Church, built in 1900 was founded by Africans and is the oldest building in historic Lincolnville.
- Ray Charles, singer and songwriter was a student at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind, St. Augustine. His piano is on display.
Oh… and there is SO MUCH MORE… over 18 locations that are a must see as part of the African American history in St. Augustine including the ACCORD Freedom Trail which highlights and commemorates significant locations in the struggle to attain civil rights for all through the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. St. Augustine played a pivotal role in the passage of the Act.
Not your typical tourist attractions when one thinks of St. Augustine, but surely these shouldn’t be missed.
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At Journey’s End B & B…also is not your typical Bed & Breakfast. Come for a visit to St. Augustine and stay with us!
You arrive as our guest…but you’ll leave as our friend…see you soon!
