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United States
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Florida
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St. Johns County
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Saint Augustine
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Tours & Activities
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Old Jail Museum Tour in St. Augustine
30 min
Instant confirmation
About this activity
Visit: Old Jail, 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3269
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Visit: Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine, 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3269
Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America
Duration: 30 minutes
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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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Visit: Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine, 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084-3269
Experience is offered by Historic Tours of America
Duration: 30 minutes
Included
- Admission to Old Jail
- Entry/Admission - Old Jail
- Entry/Admission - Historic Tours of America - St. Augustine
Not included
- Transportation to/from attraction
- Food and drinks
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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
Features
Cultural
95%
Tourism
85%
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