St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Old Jail
1891
Photographed by Stephen Thomas White, February 21, 2026
1. The Old Jail Marker
Escape was impossible, regret was too late, and survival was not guaranteed.
Come serve your time inside these prison walls, chambers walked by legendary figures of the past. Learn the history of crime and punishment in the Old South at the turn of the century in a jail built by railroad magnate Mr. Henry Flagler. Hear the tales of sorrow, fear and despair. Imagine the primitive living conditions with no indoor plumbing, air conditioning, or other modern-day conveniences. Feel the cold steel of jail cells designed by the same men who built Alcatraz.
Hear the echoes of the past while exploring the hanging gallows, death row, 100 year-old cells, an institutional kitchen. and finally, come face to face with the Sheriff himself, the formidable "Big Joe" Perry.
Abandon hope, meet your jailer and prepare to be locked down in an unforgettable experience inside the Old Jail.
No outside contraband, food, or
this page online
Flimflam artists will be dealt with accordingly.
Picture boxes allowed.
Erected by Historic Tours of America, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Law Enforcement • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 29° 54.477′ N, 81° 19.127′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It can be reached from the intersection of San Marcos Avenue and Williams Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located in front of the Old Jail Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 167 San Marco Ave, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in First Coast and in Greater Jacksonville. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Old St. Johns County Jail (here, next to this marker); Sheriffs Police Car (here, next to this marker); The 1910 Mary Peck House (within shouting distance of this marker); Spreading the Wealth Since 1900 (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1870 Hildreth House (within shouting distance of this marker); Walk to Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); Arriving in Style
Photographed by Stephen Thomas White, March 30, 2026
2. The Old Jail Marker
Also see . . .
1. Old Jail Museum - Notable Sheriffs of the Old Jail. (Submitted on June 6, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia.)
2. St. Augustine Tours - Escape To The Old Jail Museum. (Submitted on June 6, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia.)
Photographed by Stephen Thomas White, March 30, 2026
3. The Old Jail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 6, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
