Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine

Overview

Located on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine’s Uptown District, the Old Jail Museum offers an educational and intriguing look into what it would have been like to be a prisoner in the Nation’s Oldest City. Take a guided tour led by the “jailers” for a compelling look at the cells where imprisoned men and women once lived, the maximum security area reserved for the most nefarious criminals and a collection of weapons.

Itinerary

1. Old Jail Museum

   For nearly 60 years – until 1953 – the Old Jail served as the St. Johns County facility for petty thieves and hardened criminals. There were even eight recorded executions, two of which were accused murderers. Sim Jackson, who was hanged in 1908 after murdering his wife with a straight razor, is among the group. Today, visitors learn about the infamous Sheriff Perry, who served from 1889 until 1897 and again from 1901 until 1919. His stature as a “big, bold man” at 6’6” and weighing 300 pounds was intimidating even for the most hardcore of inmates. Though popular in the community, Perry was feared amongst cell inhabitants – both male and female – for his reputation of renting out prisoners to local farmers through a leasing system. Visitors can also take a look at the cell blocks, gallows and sheriff’s quarters. See where the sheriff, his wife and children lived, right upstairs from the prisoners, and how they used their own kitchen to prepare meals for the inmates. A tour through this attraction will show visitors what life was like as an inmate and how the Old Jail helped shape St. Augustine’s history.

   · 30 min· Admission included

2. Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine, FL

   Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America

   · 30 min· Admission included

How to use your ticket

• Tours depart continuously every 20 minutes. • Old Jail is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. First tour at 9:00 am. Tours offered until 3:00 pm on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Closed Christmas Day. Please arrive fifteen (15) minutes prior to the departure of the tour as all tours leave promptly. • Tours are on a first come first serve basis. No reservations are accepted.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children 5 yrs. and younger are free
• Free parking available
• Reservations are not accepted; tours operate on a first come, first serve basis on the day of
• Museum is wheelchair accessible on lower floor only.
• You will receive confirmation immediately when you book.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 5046OLDJAIL

Activity offered by Historic Tours Of America via Viator.