Find Hotels Near Old Jail Museum Saint Augustine

Old Jail Museum in Saint Augustine is a historical site located downtown and housed in a 19th-century prison that was originally built in 1891. It provides visitors with an unforgettable glimpse into the city's past and its development over the years. Though it currently serves as a museum, it was once a functioning jail where several notorious criminals were held such as notorious crime boss Al Capone. The Old Jail Museum features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what life was like for inmates back in the day, through evocative displays, audio-visuals and interactive re-enactments.

The complex consists of two buildings - a two story building with administrative offices on the first floor, and an octagonal shaped building housing the museum attractions. The entire complex is surrounded by 50-foot high walls made of red brick and concrete. Inside, you can explore six large cells which are filled with artifacts from the late 19th century, including furniture, clothing and tools used by prison wardens. There is also a replica gas chamber from 1934 which is sadly still relevant today. Outside there is an old cemetery where prisoners were buried during their time at Old Jail Museum along with their own epitaphs carved onto wooden slats – giving visitors another insight into prison life at the time.

If you're looking to dig deeper into the history of this landmark attraction then head up to the second floor for guided tours around the original jailhouse walls. You'll be taken through its six wings that were separated according to gender and type of offense committed by those who served time here. Here you'll learn about how overcrowding affected conditions in each cell block, how punishments were doled out and even how some inmates escaped! Not only do these tours give visitors an inside look into life behind bars but they also provide them with information on Saint Augustine's criminal justice system during this period of history – making it perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about law enforcement practices at this time period.

The Old Jail Museum also offers educational programs such as ghost walks where visitors get to explore various areas of the jailhouse accompanied by a tour guide dressed as one of its former inmates; talks on famous criminals like Al Capone; and workshops on using historic objects to tell stories about crime over time. All these activities make this historic site even more engaging for curious minds wanting to learn more about our shared past through engaging experiences like no other!