Fish Island Historian Reveals Disturbing Details of Enslaved Children Count

A powerful discussion on the history of slavery in St. Augustine took center stage during a recent city commission meeting, highlighting the grim realities of human ownership in the region. The meeting revealed that a man named Fish owned 133 individuals, including a staggering 83 children aged between 5 and 16. Among them was a 5-year-old girl named Melkora, whose story has resonated deeply with community members.

The speaker emphasized the need for accurate and contextualized information about Fish Island's history, urging the city to collaborate on creating educational content for the Fish Island website. Despite offers to assist in ghostwriting this crucial narrative, the city has yet to take action.

The discussion also touched on historical records, including Spanish census documents and probate records, which confirm the ownership of enslaved people at the El Borgo Plantation. Archaeological findings suggest that structures identified on historical maps may have served as quarters for enslaved individuals.

The speaker's poignant remarks underscored the importance of acknowledging this painful chapter in St. Augustine's history, advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of the past. As the city considers these discussions, the hope remains that they will take steps to honor and educate the community about the lives of those who suffered under slavery.