Go Straight to the Old Jail

During the first years of Walt Disney World, the Disney company promised to be a good neighbor to the existing Florida attractions. This included offering advertising in the various WDW publications. (Although, the first encroach was as early as 1972 by copying the ski show at Cypress Gardens). In the 1976/1977 WDW Vacationland, there is a full-page article for the old jail.

Ad from the 1976-1977 WDW Vacationland for the Old Jail at St. Augustine — Even though this full page ad is from 1976, it still feels relatively modern.

St. Augustine proudly claims its title as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. Hence, there is a focus on historic buildings and tours. Constructed in 1891, the Old Jail, Inc., is still in business and operates tours daily (except major holidays). The Old Jail has a strong connection to Henry Flagler and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Numbers on back at bottom: FNC-3884 & 26308. Postmarked Sep 11, 1969.Built by Henry Flagler in 1891, it was later placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. — (State Archives of Florida/Hannau)

The postcard has a postmark of September, 1967 and shows different facade than today.

Have you visited this St. Augustine attraction?

One thought on “Go Straight to the Old Jail”

My brother and I went to St. Augustine in the mid 80’s on the drive back to NJ with our grandparents after spending the summer with them. I remember seeing a Pirate Festival and the Old Jail, but I don’t remember if we went in. Not many pictures of that trip were taken (the expensive film era) so I only have blurry memories to rely on.