Francisco Menéndez (black soldier) facts for kids

Francisco Menéndez (born before 1709 – died after 1763) was a brave and important leader. He was a free Black militiaman who served the Spanish Empire in Florida during the 1700s. He led Fort Mose, which was likely the first free Black community in North America.

Menéndez was born in The Gambia in West Africa. Sadly, he was captured and sold into slavery. European slave traders bought him and shipped him across the Atlantic Ocean to Carolina. He soon escaped to the Spanish colony of Florida. This was possible because Spain had a law promising freedom to all runaway slaves from the English colonies.

Once in Florida, Menéndez became a Catholic. He joined the Spanish army (called a militia). He settled in a community created by the Spanish for free people of color. Francisco fought in many battles for Spain. The Spanish King recognized his loyalty and courage. He was also known for starting a village in Cuba called San Agustín de la Nueva Florida.

Today, Fort Mose is a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical site. It was the first legal free Black community in what is now the United States.

Early life and freedom

Francisco Menéndez was born in the Gambia region of Africa. He was from the Mandinka people. He was captured and sold into slavery. He was probably shipped to Carolina between 1709 and 1711. This was a time when many African slaves were brought to America.

Like many other enslaved people, Menéndez escaped. He found safety in Spanish Florida. Spain had a special rule since the 1680s. People who escaped slavery from English colonies could stay in Florida. They had to work for the colony, but they were paid. In 1693, King Carlos II of Spain made this rule official. Later, in 1733, King Phillip V changed the rule slightly. New escaped slaves had to work for four years. They also had to learn the Catholic faith and be ready to defend the area as part of the militia.

In Florida, Menéndez helped defend St. Augustine in 1727. This earned him his freedom. He became known as a strong leader. He was recognized by the King of Spain. He was also baptized as a Catholic and named Francisco Menéndez. Even after becoming free and serving in the military, many of his fellow soldiers were still enslaved.

When Manuel de Montiano became governor in 1737, Menéndez asked for full freedom for his men. On March 15, 1738, he was granted complete freedom. Years later, he was made the leader of the colonial militia at Fort Mose. This fort was built in 1738. He also became the overall leader of the community living there. From Fort Mose, Menéndez led attacks against Carolina plantations. He also inspired other enslaved people in Carolina to seek their freedom.

In 1740, British forces attacked Florida. They captured Fort Mose during a war called the War of Jenkins' Ear. A few days later, Spanish and Fort Mose soldiers fought back. They defeated the British, forcing them to leave. Fort Mose was destroyed in the battle. But it was rebuilt after the war ended.

Menéndez then joined a Spanish privateer ship. A privateer was like a pirate ship, but it was allowed by the government to attack enemy ships. In 1741, Menéndez was captured by an enemy privateer ship called Revenge. Its captain sold Menéndez back into slavery in the Bahamas. We don't know if he escaped again or if the Spanish paid to free him. But by 1759, he was back in Florida. He was once again the leader of the free Black community at Fort Mose.

Moving to Cuba

Francisco Menéndez lived at Fort Mose until 1763. That year, Spanish Florida was given to the British. This happened after Britain defeated France in the Seven Years' War. In the Treaty of Paris, Britain and Spain traded lands. Britain took Florida. Spain got back Havana and Manila.

Most of the Spanish colonists from St. Augustine and the Fort Mose community left Florida. The Spanish government moved them to Cuba. There, Menéndez started a new community. He named it San Agustín de la Nueva Florida, which means "St. Augustine of the New Florida."

Legacy and honors

The place where Fort Mose stood is now a National Historic Landmark in the United States. Archeologists found the original site in the 1990s. It is now protected as a park. The Fort Mose Historic State Park is managed by the Florida Park Service.

Fort Mose is famous as the first legally recognized free community for freed people. It was a safe place for African-American people escaping slavery. It was like an early version of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network that helped enslaved people escape to freedom later on.

Children's book

The story of Fort Mose and Francisco Menéndez is told in a children's book. It was published in 2010.

See also

In Spanish: Francisco Menéndez (militar) para niños