Francisco Menéndez

African birth

Menéndez's original name is unknown. He was likely born in part of the Mali Empire along the Gambia River in Africa. He was of Mandinka descent. Sometime between 1709 and 1711, he was captured, sold by slave traders, and probably shipped to the British colony of Carolina during a period of significantly increased importation of enslaved Africans. Though he remained a slave, he was baptized into the Catholic Church, taking the name of his owner, who also became his godfather. A year later he received a commendation from the governor. Menéndez repeatedly petitioned both the Spanish governor and the auxiliary bishop of Cuba for his manumission. When Manuel de Montiano became governor in 1737, Menéndez once again formally requested freedom for himself and 31 others whom he claimed were unjustly enslaved, with support from a Yamasee chief. On March 15, 1738, Montiano granted unconditional freedom to all fugitives who arrived from British colonies, including Menéndez. This created an official avenue for fugitive slaves to seek their manumission, benefitting not only those who had already reached Florida but also any future arrivals from British colonies. Revenges captain, Benjamin Norton, proceeded to sell Menéndez into slavery in the Bahamas, where he was purchased to a Mr. Stone. Whether he escaped or was ransomed by the Spanish is not known, but by 1759 he was once more back in Florida as the leader of the free Black community at the rebuilt Fort Mose. The free Blacks of Fort Mose were considered among the fiercest enemies of the British and claimed they would shed every drop of their blood in defense of Spain and Catholicism. Many of them completed thirty years of active service. For their valor and dedication, they received distinctions and privileges.

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