African American & Hispanic Heritage Trail
Voices of Legacy
“ Happy as the day is long- Castillo de San Marcos,” William Henry Jackson, 1892
African American & Hispanic Heritage Trail
History lives here. From the coquina walls of Fort Mose to the vibrant rhythms of Lincolnville’ s jazz legacy, the story of Florida’ s Historic Coast is richly shaped by African American and Hispanic heritage. The new African American & Hispanic Heritage Trail invites you to explore a timeless cultural landscape— one defined by resilience, freedom, creativity and enduring community pride.
FORT MOSE HISTORIC STATE PARK
America’ s first legally sanctioned free Black settlement, Fort Mose was established in 1738 by formerly enslaved Africans who fled to Spanish Florida. Today, the site honors their fight for freedom with a visitor center, exhibits and living history events that echo with courage and community.
LINCOLNVILLE
This historically Black neighborhood was founded in 1866 by freedmen. Its streets are lined with Civil Rights landmarks, Victorian homes and vibrant murals. Visit the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center to trace the journey of local heroes and hear the music, movement and memory of generations.
AVILÉS STREET
The oldest street in the United States celebrates its deep Spanish roots. Walk the brick-lined streets where Hispanic heritage continues to thrive through art galleries, tapas spots and centuries-old stories waiting to be discovered.
MISSION NOMBRE DE DIOS & THE GREAT CROSS
Stroll through the grounds where Spanish settlers first arrived in 1565, bringing faith, architecture and new beginnings. The peaceful beauty of the Mission grounds offers quiet reflection on the region’ s earliest cultural connections.
FESTIVALS & LIVING TRADITIONS
Celebrate culture in motion with events such as the Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series, Hispanic Heritage Month and the Gullah Geechee Heritage Festival. These immersive gatherings spotlight the music, food and community traditions that bring history to life.
TASTING THE PAST
Experience a fusion of flavor and story with cuisine rooted in Gullah Geechee, Minorcan and Spanish traditions. From spicy pilau to empanadas and datil pepper delights, every bite carries a connection to the past.
FOLLOW THE TRAIL
Use the free mobile-friendly Heritage Trail App to guide your journey. The app offers maps, audio
stories, photos and insider insights across historic sites, cultural institutions and places where heritage is still lived every day.
WHY IT MATTERS
GET APP
These stories are more than history— they’ re living legacies. The African American and Hispanic Heritage Trails celebrate a shared past while honoring the voices and visions that continue to shape Florida’ s Historic Coast today.
READ MORE
FloridasHistoricCoast. com 11