The Old Jail Today
Once home to St. Augustine’s most notorious criminals, the Old St. Johns County Jail now serves as a museum, preserving the stories of those who lived, worked, and endured life behind its iron bars.
The Old Jail’s history is shared through guided tours, historical exhibits, and interactive experiences. Visitors can explore the building, learn about its past and imagine what life was like for both the inmates and the sheriffs who enforced the law. The experience provides an eye-opening look at how justice was carried out more than a century ago.
Step Inside History
Walking through the Old Jail allows visitors to see the facility as it was during its years of operation. The building has been carefully restored, ensuring that guests experience the same iron-barred cells, heavy wooden doors and towering gallows that once defined this facility. The Romanesque Revival architecture, complete with Eastlake-style porches, makes the jail one of the most distinctive buildings in St. Augustine.
Guided tours provide detailed information about the harsh conditions prisoners endured, the punishments they faced, and the long days spent in overcrowded cells.
Tour guides, dressed in period uniforms, share stories of notable inmates, daring escapes and the strict discipline enforced by sheriffs like Joe Perry. Visitors often leave with a newfound appreciation for modern correctional facilities after learning about the difficult lives of those once confined here.
The Old St. Johns County Jail is one of the few remaining jails of its kind still standing. The structure has survived more than a century of Florida’s storms, including significant damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. Following the storm, a $1 million restoration project was launched to preserve the jail, and it was rededicated in 2018.
For those interested in ghost stories, the jail has a reputation for paranormal activity. Many visitors report seeing shadowy figures moving through the halls or hearing unexplained voices in empty rooms. The eerie atmosphere has made it one of the most talked about haunted sites in St. Augustine.
A Living Museum
The Old St. Johns County Jail serves as a living museum, providing insight into the evolution of the American penal system. Exhibits showcase historical artifacts, old booking records, and preserved weapons once used by law enforcement officers.
Visitors can explore several key areas within the jail, including:
• Original jail cells, which still contain iron cots, heavy chains and cramped living spaces that show the harsh reality of incarceration at the time.
• The sheriff’s living quarters, which provide a glimpse into the comforts of home that contrasted sharply with the harsh realities of the jail.
• Historical documents and records, which reveal details about past inmates, their crimes, and the sentences they served.
The Old Jail’s history goes beyond just its inmates. It tells the story of a changing justice system, one that evolved from severe punishment to a greater focus on reform and rehabilitation. The museum helps visitors understand how law enforcement practices and incarceration methods have changed over time.
More Than a Tourist Attraction
The Old Jail is one of St. Augustine’s most popular historical sites, but it also serves as a unique event venue. The striking architecture and historical significance provide a memorable setting for weddings, private parties, corporate events and special gatherings.
Hosting an event at the Old St. Johns County Jail offers guests an experience unlike any other. The venue allows visitors to enjoy a historic setting while learning about the jail’s past. Whether it is a formal event inside the restored building or an outdoor gathering in the courtyard, the location provides an unforgettable atmosphere. The combination of history, charm and an eerie presence makes it an ideal location for those seeking something different.
A Must-Visit in St. Augustine
The Old St. Johns County Jail has gone from a place of confinement to a place of discovery. Visitors can explore its storied past, learning about the men and women who once called it home, whether by choice or by force.
Through engaging tours, historical exhibits, and special events, the Old Jail’s history continues to educate and entertain. The stories of those who lived and worked within its walls remain an important part of St. Augustine’s past.
