2.11 The Stono Rebellion and Fort Mose

AP African American Studies · AP (Advanced Placement) · 4 min read · Updated: 7 Sept 2026

2.11 The Stono Rebellion and Fort Mose

Welcome! In this chapter, we are looking at one of the most significant acts of armed resistance in the history of the 13 Colonies: the Stono Rebellion. We will also explore Fort Mose, a unique community in Florida that acted as a "beacon of hope" for people escaping enslavement. These two topics show us that resistance wasn't just about fighting back; it was also about the strategic search for freedom and community.

Don't worry if the dates and names seem like a lot at first. Just remember this main idea: Enslaved people were active agents who sought freedom by any means necessary, including using the rivalries between European empires to their advantage.

The Stono Rebellion (1739)

The Stono Rebellion began in September 1739 in South Carolina, near the Stono River. It was the largest uprising of enslaved people in the British mainland colonies prior to the American Revolution.

What Happened?

A group of about 20 enslaved Africans, led by a man named Jemmy (often identified as being from the Kingdom of Kongo), seized firearms from a local store. As they marched south toward Florida, their numbers grew to nearly 100 people. They marched with banners, beat drums, and shouted the word "Liberty!"

Why Florida?

The rebels weren't just wandering; they had a specific destination. They were heading for Spanish Florida. At the time, Spain and Britain were bitter rivals. Spain had issued a proclamation promising freedom to any enslaved person who escaped from British colonies and made it to Florida, provided they converted to Catholicism.

The Primary Source: An Account of the Stono Rebellion (1739)

This document provides a historical record of the event from the perspective of white colonists. It describes the rebels' discipline, their use of drums (a form of African communication and military tradition), and the eventual clash with the white militia. While the rebellion was eventually suppressed by the militia, it sent a shockwave of fear through the British colonies.

Quick Takeaway: The Stono Rebellion proved that enslaved people were willing to risk everything for "Liberty" and were aware of the political tensions between England and Spain.

Fort Mose: A Gateway to Freedom

While the Stono Rebellion took place in South Carolina, the "promised land" the rebels were trying to reach was Fort Mose (pronounced Moh-say).

The First Free Black Town

Established in 1738 near St. Augustine, Florida, Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose (Fort Mose) was the first legally sanctioned free Black town in what is now the United States. It was a community made up of people who had escaped enslavement in the British Carolinas and Georgia.

The Spanish Strategy

Spain didn't offer freedom just out of kindness. It was a geopolitical strategy. By welcoming runaways, the Spanish weakened the British economy and created a "buffer" of loyal Black soldiers who would help defend Florida against British attacks. To live in Fort Mose, the formerly enslaved people had to:

Convert to Catholicism.
Pledge loyalty to the Spanish Crown.
The men were often required to join the Black militia to defend the fort.

The Primary Source: Governor of Florida's letter to His Majesty (1739)

In this letter, the Governor of Florida writes to the King of Spain, reporting on the status of the settlement. This document is important because it confirms that the Spanish government officially recognized and protected the freedom of these formerly enslaved people, using them as a strategic military asset against the British.

Did you know? The residents of Fort Mose built their own homes, a church, and a fort. They created a unique culture that blended their African roots with Spanish customs and religion.

Connecting the Dots: Resistance and Resilience

The Stono Rebellion and Fort Mose are two sides of the same coin. One is an example of armed resistance (fighting for freedom), and the other is an example of maroonage or autonomous community building (living in freedom).

Key Themes for the AP Exam:

Agency: Enslaved people were not passive. They understood international politics and used the "enemy of my enemy" (Spain) to gain their freedom.
Culture: The use of drums and the shout of "Liberty" during the Stono Rebellion show how African military traditions and the desire for freedom survived the Middle Passage.
Geography: The proximity of the British Carolinas to Spanish Florida created a "freedom frontier" that encouraged resistance.

Memory Trick: Think of Stono as the Struggle and Mose as the Mountain-top (the goal). Stono happened in 1739; the Mose letter was also written in 1739. They are linked by the year and the goal of freedom.

Quick Review Box

Event: Stono Rebellion (1739)
Location: South Carolina
Goal: Reach freedom in Spanish Florida.

Community: Fort Mose (est. 1738)
Location: Florida
Significance: First legally free Black town in the future U.S.; served as a military buffer for Spain.

Note: For more on the laws passed after Stono, see Topic 2.7. For more on other autonomous communities, see Topic 2.15.

Quick check

Can you answer these now?

Open each question to check the key ideas from this chapter.

What was the Stono Rebellion of 1739?

The Stono Rebellion was the largest uprising of enslaved people in the British mainland colonies prior to the American Revolution, occurring in South Carolina near the Stono River.

Who was Jemmy, and what was his role in the Stono Rebellion?

Jemmy was an enslaved man, likely from the Kingdom of Kongo, who led the group of rebels in the Stono Rebellion by seizing firearms and leading a march toward freedom.

Why did the Stono rebels choose Spanish Florida as their destination?

They headed for Florida because the Spanish government had issued a proclamation promising freedom to enslaved people who escaped British colonies, provided they converted to Catholicism.

What was Fort Mose (Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose)?

Established in 1738 near St. Augustine, Florida, Fort Mose was the first legally sanctioned free Black town in what is now the United States.

What were the Spanish requirements for formerly enslaved people living in Fort Mose?

To live in Fort Mose, residents had to convert to Catholicism, pledge loyalty to the Spanish Crown, and (for men) join the Black militia to defend the territory.

What is the significance of the Governor of Florida's 1739 letter to the King of Spain?

The letter serves as a primary source confirming that the Spanish government officially recognized, protected, and utilized the residents of Fort Mose as a strategic military asset.

How did African military traditions manifest during the Stono Rebellion?

The rebels used drums and organized marching, which were traditional African methods of communication and military coordination, to maintain discipline and signal their intent.

Ready to test yourself?

Turn these notes into exam-style practice. Get unlimited AI questions on this topic with instant marking and explanations.

Practise This Topic

More AP African American Studies chapters

* The content provided by thinka is generated by AI and may not always be accurate or up-to-date. Please use it as a supplementary resource and verify with official materials.

Put These Notes into Practice

Reading the notes is a great start. Now practise with unlimited AI-generated questions and get instant feedback. 100,000+ students are already improving their grades.

Start Practising Now View Pricing

Done reading? Test yourself with AI practice questions

Practise This Topic Now