Houdini Escapes Newest and Strongest D.C. Jail in 1906 Even Washington D.C. couldn’t hold Harry Houdini, the original handcuff king. On New Years Day in 1906, the infamous Houdini broke out of what was said to be the strongest and toughest jail in the city. June 26, 2013 Washington, D.C. By Ariel Veroske