Last updated: March 14, 2025
Place
St. Francois County Jail Museum
Photo/Discover Farmington
Quick Facts
Location:
The St. Francois County Jail Museum located at 11 North Franklin Street in Farmington, Missouri.
Significance:
Built in 1870 and located along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, the St. Francois County Jail Museum shares the history of the trail through this community.
Designation:
Certified Site, National Register of Historic Places, Designated as a Farmington Historic Site by the Farmington Historic Preservation Commission.
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Restroom
The St. Francois County Jail was built in 1870 and was in continual operation as a jail for over 125 years. As was a common practice at the time, the sheriff's family lived on the second floor and the ground floor housed the jail. Prior to closing, it was one of the oldest operating county jails in Missouri, and appears today much as it did when it was constructed.
The St. Francois County Jail Museum is located on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Though the jail was built after the removal took place, the site hosts an interpretive panel acknowledging the location and sharing the history of the Trail of Tears through this community. In 2024, the City of Farmington hosted the Remember the Removal Bike Ride riders, a Cherokee Nation program connecting youth with their culture as they bike 950 miles following the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Additional sites on the trail in Farmington include the Long House at 400 Ste. Genevieve Avenue. The Historic Long House is open on select days throughout the year.
Site Information
Location (The St. Francois County Jail Museum located at 11 North Franklin Street in Farmington, Missouri.)
Al's Place Bicycle Hostel is located on the second level. It is available for visitors to stay overnight. Reservations are not required. The hostel is operated by donation only, and guests may gain access by calling the City of Farmington at 573-756-1701 weekdays from 8:00AM to 4:30PM.
Safety Considerations