Flagler's Folly

Henry Morrison Flagler...If you live in Florida or even if you have visited here you have likely come across something with the name Flagler on it. It might have been a street, a hospital, a museum, a college, even a County...maybe even a statue..

The great man's influence is felt all over Florida. 

Henry Flagler was a very wealthy man. In 1867 he and John D. Rockefeller started a little enterprise called Standard Oil. By the late 1800's Standard Oil had monopolized oil refining in the United States making Rockefeller and Flagler incredibly rich.

In 1878 Flagler's wife became ill and her doctor advised moving her from New York to a warmer climate, so they boarded the train and wound up at the end of the line in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Returning two years later after his wife died he made his way to St. Augustine. He saw great potential in Florida which at the time was largely unpopulated and undeveloped. He started buying small rail systems and making his way down the east coast of Florida. Towns sprung up as he extended the railroad, finally winding up in an area around Biscayne Bay where he developed another town. The residents were so happy they suggested he name the little town Flagler...he said he would rather name it an old Indian name...Miami..

He built hotels along the way

The Ormond Hotel in Ormond Beach

The Ponce De Leon in St. Augustine

The Breakers in Palm Beach

The Royal Poinciana in Palm Beach

In 1905 the United States announced it was beginning construction of the Panama Canal. Flagler saw the possibilities of trade opening up when the Canal was complete so he decided to extend his railway to Florida's deep water port in Key West. The idea of building a railroad across 128 miles of water dotted with a few islands became known as Flagler's Folly.

Construction began in 1905 employing hundreds of workers in the massive undertaking

Terrible living and working conditions made construction difficult and three hurricanes destroyed parts of the railroad during the construction years. Many workers lives were lost during construction.

Finally on Jan 22, 1912 Henry Flagler, in declining health, rode the train into Key West

Flagler planned to build a hotel in Key West to go along with the railroad and the beautiful Casa Marina was built in 1921


Henry Flagler died on May 20, 1913...it was said after his death...." But that any man could have the genius to see of what this wilderness of water, sand, and underbrush was capable and then have the nerve to build a railroad there is more marvelous than similar development anywhere else in the world"

The Labor Day hurricane in 1935, the strongest storm to ever hit the United States, destroyed a large part of the railroad in Islamorada and it never recovered. The right of way was sold and the Overseas Highway was built. Some of the old railroad still stands today and is used for fishing, biking and walking paths

One of my favorite views of the old railroad at Bahia Honda

I'll close with the amazing Seven Mile Bridge and a thank you to a great man...Henry Flagler..

Thanks also to my cousin Alan for suggesting this subject.