A visit to the Old Jail is almost a must when in St. Augustine. This attraction is open for day tours and night tours. The Authentic Old Jail once served as the city of St. Augustine’s jail, from 1891 until 1953. This jail was paid for by Henry Flagler who requested that the city jail be moved from the old Cordova street location, very near his new Ponce de Leon Hotel. Flagler contracted the P.J. Pauley Jail Company for the task, the same jail builders who constructed Alcatraz in San Francisco! In addition to a new location, Flagler wanted something which was secure, but with the outward appearance of a large home. This is exactly what you see today. The two and a half story building is built in Romanesque Revival Style, with the Sheriff’s family’s quarters actually attached to the jail itself.

The old Jail was re-opened in 1954 by Henry L. ‘Slim” McDaniel, though this time for tourists not criminals. It has been an attraction ever since, frequented by visitors to St. Augustine. This turn of the century jail offers guests a peak into the life of a criminal of that day, and the life of a Sherriff as well. It was added to the U. S. National Register of Historic Places on August 27, 1987 and was meticulously restored to its former glory in 1993.

At the Old jail visitors will be given a guided tour of the jail and Sherriff’s quarters. Costumes ‘inmates’ lead you through the separate sections of the jail, from the women’s section, to the men’s maximum security cells. Night tours of the jail are offers by Old Town Trolley, called Ghosts and Gravestones. Put some excitement into your night in St. Augustine with this chilling tour of the nation’s oldest city!. You will really be a part of an educational and fun experience for the entire family.