Fort Negro: The Forgotten History of a Tragic Symbol of Resistance

When history is erased or made so obscure that it is forgotten, the lessons and legacy of that moment are lost. Today, countless stories are on the verge of obscurity.  History is easily dispensed of by changing place names or absorbing stories of similar places into new narratives.  The story of Fort Negro, is a story that we can't let vanish into obscurity.  We must recall this story and tell it to our children so that they will not forget the bravery and resilience of our people, both Indigenous and African, enslaved and free.

In the annals of American history, some stories are often overshadowed or forgotten despite their profound impact and significance. One such story is that of Fort Negro, also known as Negro Fort, a site of resistance and a symbol of the fight for freedom in early 19th-century America. Located on the Apalachicola River in what was then Spanish Florida, Fort Negro's history is both inspiring and tragic.  It sheds light on the complexities of the era's socio-political landscape and the determination of the United States government to eliminate any threats to the slavery economy within or outside of its borders.

The Birth of Fort Negro

The British constructed Fort Negro during the War of 1812. As they fought against the United States, they sought allies and built the fort to serve as a military stronghold. The fort's strategic location on the Apalachicola River made it a valuable asset. However, after the war, the British abandoned the fort, leaving it in the hands of their allies, including escaped enslaved people (considered fugitives, but at the time free), free people of color, Choctaws, and Red Stick Creeks.

A Refuge for Freedom Seekers

After the British departure, Fort Negro became a sanctuary for those seeking freedom from the bonds of slavery. Escaped enslaved people found refuge within its walls, joining forces with Native Americans and others opposed to American expansionism. The fort represented a beacon of hope and resistance against the oppressive institution of slavery that pervaded the southern United States.

The American Threat

The existence of Fort Negro was a growing concern for American slaveholders and government officials. They feared the fort would encourage more enslaved people to escape and inspire armed rebellions. With the British leaving substantial weaponry in the hands of its allies, Fort Negro became the largest and most well-equipped Maroon community in the area that would later become part of the United States. Everything about it was problematic for the United States. The presence of a fortified position staffed by armed Black men was anathema to the institution of slavery!  This posed a significant threat to the status quo.

The Attack on Fort Negro

In 1816, under the command of General Andrew Jackson, U.S. forces took decisive action against Fort Negro. Jackson, who would later become the seventh President of the United States, was a staunch advocate of American expansionism and saw the fort as a direct challenge to American sovereignty and the institution of slavery.

The U.S. forces demanded the surrender of Fort Negro, but the defenders, determined to maintain their hard-won freedom, refused. On July 27, 1816, the American forces, along with allied Creek warriors, launched an attack. A cannonball fired by the Americans struck the fort's powder magazine, causing a massive explosion. The blast was devastating, killing approximately 270 people, including many women and children.

The Aftermath

The destruction of Fort Negro sent a chilling message to other escaped enslaved people and free Black people in the region. It demonstrated the lengths the United States would go to suppress any form of Black resistance or autonomy. The attack on Fort Negro was a prelude to the broader campaign that led to the First Seminole War and the eventual acquisition of Florida by the United States from Spain in 1821.

Legacy and Significance

Fort Negro remains a powerful symbol of Black resistance and the enduring fight for freedom. Its history highlights the complexities and brutal realities of early 19th-century America, where the quest for liberty and autonomy was met with fierce opposition. The story of Fort Negro is not just a story of tragedy but also one of resilience and courage. The story lays bare the brutal lengths the US Government undertook to ensure that the institution of slavery would not be threatened.  The occurrence at Fort Negro is the only time in history when the United States entered another country and decimated a community of formerly enslaved Black Americans, free people of color, and Native Americans.

Remembering Fort Negro

Today, the legacy of Fort Negro serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. It is a crucial part of American history that deserves recognition and remembrance. As we reflect on this forgotten chapter, we honor the bravery of those who sought freedom against overwhelming odds.  Let us remember the power of the collective, Black and Indigenous.  Let us also reflect on the threat the collective poses to the oppressive power structure.

By examining the history of Fort Negro, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of American history and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to resist oppression.  Let us never forget the story of Fort Negro.

Continue the learning

Our post provides an overview of the story of Fort Negro.  Its history is much more nuanced and detailed, so we encourage you to learn more about the story at The Zinn Education Project, which links to other resources.   We will continue to share and learn more about this vital part of American history.

Stay connected with us by joining our mailing list.