Old Jail: History is Just Around The Corner
The exterior Romanesque Revival appearance, giving it the look of a Victorian house, belies the stark reality of what’s inside. This was done by design. It was important to Flagler that the jail did not interfere with the beauty of the Ancient City. Except for the barred windows and the set of gallows on the property, it was unrecognizable as a jail.
The exterior Romanesque Revival appearance, giving it the look of a Victorian house, belies the stark reality of what’s inside. This was done by design. It was important to Flagler that the jail did not interfere with the beauty of the Ancient City. Except for the barred windows and the set of gallows on the property, it was unrecognizable as a jail.
The historic jail, now on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, served the city of St. Augustine from 1891-1953. The Old Jail’s unique history is filled with fascinating stories about the prisoners and practices that took place.
Today, these stories, told by entertaining costumed actors who portray deputies from the early days as they lead visitors through the jail and the adjacent sheriffs’ quarters, provide a look into the realities and daily life of jail time. The Old Jail is a great sightseeing and history adventure, and everyone gets a chance to try to escape!