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Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine

4.8 (635)
St. Augustine, US
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Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine

4.8 (635)
St. Augustine, US
Share
Experience the intriguing history of St. Augustine's Old Jail Museum on this captivating tour. Led by knowledgeable "jailers," you'll step inside the cells that once held prisoners and discover the maximum security area reserved for the most notorious criminals. Marvel at the collection of weapons and learn about the eight recorded executions that took place within these walls. Hear stories about Sheriff Perry, a formidable figure known for his intimidating presence and the leasing system he ran with local farmers. Explore the gallows and the sheriff's quarters, where his family lived just upstairs from the inmates. This tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a prisoner and the role the Old Jail played in shaping the history of St. Augustine. Don't miss out on this educational and compelling experience. Duration: 30 minutes. Offered by Historic Tours of America.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-9 Participants
  • Guided Experience
  • Compelling look at the cells
  • Maximum security area for nefarious criminals
  • Collection of weapons on display
  • Learn about infamous Sheriff Perry
  • See where the sheriff and his family lived
  • Admission to Old Jail
  • Transportation to/from attraction
  • Food and drinks
  • St. Augustine Old Jail closed on Christmas Day.

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Welcome to the intriguing and educational Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine. Located on San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine's Uptown District, this tour offers a captivating look into the lives of prisoners in the Nation's Oldest City. Led by knowledgeable "jailers," visitors will explore the very cells where men and women were once incarcerated, the maximum security area reserved for the most notorious criminals, and a fascinating collection of weapons. Immerse yourself in history as you step back in time and experience what it would have been like to be a prisoner in this historic jail.

What to expect?

During this 30-minute tour, you can expect to learn about the rich history of the Old Jail Museum and the individuals who were once incarcerated here. Discover the stories of infamous criminals and hear tales of the courageous Sheriff Perry, who left an indelible mark on this facility. Explore the different cell blocks, witness the gallows, and even visit the sheriff's quarters. Gain insights into the daily lives of both the inmates and the sheriff's family who resided upstairs. Prepare to be captivated by the remarkable stories and ambiance of this unique historical attraction.

Who is this for?

The Old Jail Museum Tour is for history enthusiasts, curious individuals, and those seeking a distinctive and immersive experience in St. Augustine. Whether you're a local resident wanting to deepen your knowledge of the city's history or a visitor looking to explore the darker side of America's past, this tour is for you. It's a perfect opportunity for families, couples, and solo travelers to engage with a significant part of St. Augustine's history.

Why book this?

Unlike any other attraction in St. Augustine, the Old Jail Museum offers a truly immersive experience into the lives of prisoners and the history of law enforcement. Led by passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, visitors have the opportunity to step inside the actual cells that once held inmates. Discover the secrets of Sheriff Perry, experience the eerie atmosphere of the maximum security section, and gain a deeper understanding of how this historic jail helped shape the course of St. Augustine's history. This tour is a unique chance to not only learn but also feel and imagine what it was like to be inside the walls of this infamous correctional facility.

Good to know

The Old Jail Museum tour is led by experienced guides from Historic Tours of America. The entire tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, allowing you to explore this historical site efficiently. Keep in mind that this attraction is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues due to the nature of the facility. Come prepared to delve into the darker side of history and be inspired by the resilience and stories of those who were once housed within these walls.

Reviews

Visitors of the Old Jail Museum have shared rave reviews about their experiences. Many were amazed by the knowledgeable guides who brought the history to life, making the tour both educational and entertaining. Guests appreciated the opportunity to step into the cells, explore the sheriff's quarters, and even see the gallows. The overall consensus is that the Old Jail Museum provides a unique and immersive experience that shouldn't be missed during a trip to St. Augustine.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

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.

Admission Included

Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine

Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America

Admission Included

Reviews

(635)

4.8 (635)

735andriap

We loved the history of the jail however our tor guide, Florence, was difficult to understand and spoke too fast. Disappointed as it could have been better.

Sweetdreams37

Small jail house but Benny from Brooklyn our tour guide was great. He told jokes but also told us about the prison life in those early years. There is no handicap entry and you have to climb the stairs but very informative. After check out the old General store, ,the dentist, the Tea and spice store and walk the property see it statues so cool

granta897

Benny was great! Knows his history. Learn quite a bit! The history of the jail if very surreal. We had a great time. Would recommend.

177katherinem

This was so well executed and very sobering. The facts of how the jail was run and how the prisoners were treated was shocking. Very authentic and knowledgeable guide, Patrick.

LBReed68

Quirky little museum. Interesting way to spend an hour. Our guide was very funny and informative. Close to the Fountain of Youth Park.

vacationersforlife

This is a late review … we visited in Thanksgiving 2023. We really enjoyed the Old Jail, it was educational and interesting. Our guide was great and he was funny! I can’t remember his name but he’s in my pics. It was also long enough to keep the group interested. Would recommend this tour!

Angela_S

Fun times as always - was not my first time. Funny, informative and just something cool to experience!

kenb117

My wife and I had a great time visiting the Old Jail. We believe our experience was especially enhanced by our inmate tour guide “King Benny”! His knowledge of the old jail was awesome, his sense of humor was outstanding, and his singing was top notch. Thank you Benny!

Irene_E

Patrick was a hoot! Great tour. Good to learn the history of St. Augustine. Fun for the entire family!

Vacation62929788723

We had so much fun learning and seeing the history of this old jail. Our guide, Benny, was great. He was informative and funny. The main fact that stood out to me was that it closed in 1953 without ever having running water. It also has the first finger printing kit in the state of Florida. It’s 16.99 a person, and it’s slightly kid friendly. They do talk about hangings and the gallows (it is an old jail after all). There are graphic images of hangings that took place there, but there is a warning sign before you enter that room. It isn’t a part of the guided tour. It is not wheel chair accessible. A lot of the areas are tight and the stairs are steep.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-04-27 01:20
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