St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Barca Chata

— Fort Mose Historical State Park —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, December 3, 2025

1. Barca Chata Marker

Inscription. A Spanish name for a flat-bottomed vessel that was prevalent throughout the colonial and territorial periods of the Southeast United States as early as 1602 until the late 19th century. The barca chata, sometimes called a scow, flatboat, or simply a "flat", was commonly used on plantations to carry supplies and products to and from markets or awaiting ships.

These sturdy and stable working boats were likely in use by residents of Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose (Fort Mose), around the shallow marshy areas that surrounded the free settlement. Flats were commonly poled along shallows or maneuvered by sweeps (oars) while drifting with tidal currents. They would have been regular sights along the St. Augustine waterfront and surrounding network of rivers, marshes and tidal creeks.

This Fort Mose Barca Chata was built by volunteers from the St. Augustine Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (L.A.M.P).

Erected 2025 by Florida State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 29° 55.768′ N,

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81° 19.486′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is on Fort Mose Trail 0.2 miles north of Colon Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located within Fort Mose Historical State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 Fort Mose Trail, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast

and in Greater Jacksonville.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: On Watch (a few steps from this marker); Women of Fort Mose (within shouting distance of this marker); Conclusion (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Mose Site (within shouting distance of this marker); “Slave Catchers”

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

2. Barca Chata Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Captain Francisco Menendez (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fort Mose Militia (within shouting distance of this marker); Bloody Mose (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Other markers no longer nearby. Evacuation (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Fort Mose II (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . .
1. A new Barca Chata and a History of Boatbuilding in St. Augustine. (Submitted on December 4, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Fort Mose Historic State Park. (Submitted on December 4, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Barca Chata reproduction image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, December 3, 2025

3. Barca Chata reproduction

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 4, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.