During the War of 1812, the British built a military base in Florida on the eastern bank of the Apalachicola River that became a sanctuary for runaway slaves. The U.S. government called it “Negro Fort.”

After losing the war, the British evacuated, leaving the fort in the hands of free black soldiers and Indian allies, who had been recruited to fight the Americans for the promise of freedom. Afterward, the fort became a refuge for runaway slaves and their families.

With pressure from powerful American slaveholders, however, U.S. forces led an expedition to destroy it in 1816. A single cannon shot landed a direct hit in the powder magazine and set off a deadly explosion that nearly killed everyone inside.

A depression in the ground created by the blast is still visible today. In the 1960s, archaeologists found mangled artifacts such as twisted brass straps from ammo chests that were blown apart. Also, discovered were portions of barrel hoops from the powder kegs that caused the explosion.

Written, narrated, and produced by the University of West Florida, the Florida Public Archaeology Network and WUWF Public Media.