Old Jail Museum
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The Old Jail Museum in Saint Augustine is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in the darker side of the city's past. This former jail, which operated from 1891 to 1953, offers a fascinating glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by prisoners during that era. The museum provides a well-curated and informative experience, with knowledgeable guides who bring the stories of the jail's prisoners and staff to life. You'll get to explore the various cells and learn about the crimes committed by the inmates, as well as the methods of punishment employed. One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to step inside the maximum-security cell, known as the "Green Room," where dangerous prisoners were confined. It's a chilling experience that offers a stark contrast to the lively streets of Saint Augustine. In addition to the historical aspect, the Old Jail Museum also offers interactive exhibits, which make it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. You can try on prisoner uniforms, take photos in the convict photo area, and even participate in a mock trial. Overall, a visit to the Old Jail Museum is a unique and educational experience that provides a deeper understanding of Saint Augustine's past. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for something different to do, this museum is well worth a visit.
Omar EcheverriOmar Echeverri
00
Built in 1891, the St. Johns County Jail held prisoners until 1953. The previous county jail was located next to the Hotel Ponce de Leon in downtown St. Augustine, Florida. Henry Morrison Flagler (1830-1913), co-founder of the Standard Oil Company, founder of the Florida East Coast Railroad and major real estate developer, donated $10,000 towards construction of this new jail. It is the oldest surviving government building in St. Johns County. The architecture is Romanesque Revival with elements of Queen Anne Victorian. It was constructed by the Pauly Jail Building and Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, which would later build Alcatraz prison in California along with several other jails throughout North America. Up to 72 inmates could be housed in the building along with living quarters for the sheriff and his family. The conditions were primitive for most of its history with up to four inmates in a cell, no indoor plumbing until 1914 and open barred windows. When the last inmates were transferred out in 1953, the old jail building became a tourist attraction recreating what life was like for prisoners at the turn of the century.
Roads Traveled PhotographyRoads Traveled Photography
00
I enjoyed this tour very much. Our host was Patrick, who was an excellent guide and knows his history very well. He was quite entertaining and had our group participating with him. The original structure was built in 1891 by Henry Flagler, and although it has been restored and renovated throughout the years, it looks very much the way it did when it opened over a century ago. The Old Jail Museum is recognized as one of the most haunted buildings in the country and is still shrouded in mystery and lore. After Dark, this 45-minute chilling experience allows visitors to participate in an actual paranormal investigation of the city's most haunted building. I did not want to do that tour. Buy tickets ahead of time. It was $16.99 per person so it's a bit on the spendy side but I thought it was worth it. I felt like I was actually there during the late 1800s. For the 1-Hour Guided Tour, tours run every 15 minutes starting at 9:00 AM with the last tour departing at 4:30 PM. The haunted tour starts at 12 midnight and ends at 2:30 am. Parking is available at Immaculate Conception Church, which is across the street from the jail.
astrida mcfarlandastrida mcfarland
00
Our tour guide was Bobalew and he was absolutely amazing!!! I love museums and do a lot of tours and he was probably my favorite guide ever. He toned down some of the more gruesome parts to fit the young children in our group but without losing any details for the adults, that's a hard task. He was funny and entertaining. He plays the character well without getting too stuck in the time period. The site itself was interesting and well done. Be aware there are fake figures in some of the cells, they could spook some kids so you might want to prepare them if needed. You can see one in my photos, some are also laying in bed sleeping and such. We had four adults and one teenager and we all loved it. Definitely a must do! Be sure to take pictures of your family in jail. They start a new tour every 15 minutes and seemed to always do a warning when it was starting soon. So you can wander the area a bit and still get your tour on time. Check the nearby Gator Bob's for a coconut prisoner head fresh from the gallows. It's goofy and one of my favorite souvenirs from our trip.
Alicia SimonAlicia Simon
00
Our night time ghost hunting trip was Amazing!! Hosts gave in depth history and details of each area and those they believe to still be haunting there. Equipment provided were REM Pods, EMF Detectors, Infrared Thermal Imagers, Dowsing Rods, Ghost Box to hear responses. Recommended to even bring your own Camera Smart Phone and voice recording recorder, or app on phone to record. Bringing your own camera for pictures, video's and recorder to view your evidence after leaving is recommended. This was most profound event of my 55 year life! I am disabled and brought my scooter and parked it inside, and was able to slowly walk the inside. Took a lil to use stairs, once up then once down. Doing this with family will be best memory ever. Be respectful to ghosts and they will talk to you. We got so many responses from the Solitary Confinement room. He responded to many things we were asking and doing. Thanks to all those that make this possible. You made my dream come true and hope we an afford to come again and again.
Trippi_TrixTrippi_Trix
00
Came here for the third year with a group of 5th grade private school students. Our school has been coming here for years. We are teaching these children that God has created them with value and purpose. I teach mostly young black children. In 2024 I cannot Believe that such a racially insensitive place exists. When we walk in and this is the first thing they see. They are then given a tour where they are at moments treated as prisoners, given opportunities to take pictures under gallows, in cages, with prison stripes, and in cells. You would think that the uncomfortable truth would be acknowledged with these children but it is not. That is the worst thing. Another reviewer noted that it would be like going to a plantation and not talking about slavery. That is a very apt point. I am not sure we will be returning. Choose carefully. This is not how we want our young people to see themselves.
Sarah KelloggSarah Kellogg
00
Nearby Attractions Of Old Jail Museum
Old Town Trolley Tours St Augustine
Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
Old Jail Museum
Ghosts & Gravestones Tour St. Augustine
Villa 1565 Hotel Historic St. Augustine FL
Holiday Inn St. Augustine - Historic, an IHG Hotel
Best Western Historical Inn
National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre De Dios
Historic St Augustine
The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel

Old Town Trolley Tours St Augustine
4.6
(4K)Click for details

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park
4.5
(3.5K)Click for details

Old Jail Museum
4.6
(2.6K)Click for details

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour St. Augustine
4.2
(1K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Old Jail Museum
Raintree Restaurant
De Leon Latin Cocina
Farmhand KCHN and Coffee St Augustine
Uptown Pizza
Boat Drinks
Cortesse's Bistro and Flamingo Room Piano Bar
Smokin' D's BBQ
Village Inn
Sakada Japanese Steak House
Drake's Bistro

Raintree Restaurant
4.5
(1.3K)$$$
Click for details

De Leon Latin Cocina
4.7
(647)Click for details

Farmhand KCHN and Coffee St Augustine
4.2
(602)Click for details

Uptown Pizza
4.1
(1.1K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Map
Phone
(904) 829-3800
Call
Website
trolleytours.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(2.8K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family-friendly
accessibility
attractions: Old Town Trolley Tours St Augustine, Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, Old Jail Museum, Ghosts & Gravestones Tour St. Augustine, Villa 1565 Hotel Historic St. Augustine FL, Holiday Inn St. Augustine - Historic, an IHG Hotel, Best Western Historical Inn, National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche at Mission Nombre De Dios, Historic St Augustine, The Ponce St. Augustine Hotel, restaurants: Raintree Restaurant, De Leon Latin Cocina, Farmhand KCHN and Coffee St Augustine, Uptown Pizza, Boat Drinks, Cortesse's Bistro and Flamingo Room Piano Bar, Smokin' D's BBQ, Village Inn, Sakada Japanese Steak House, Drake's Bistro

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