The East Coast Railroad-Florida's Turning Point
Prior to Henry Flagler's construction of the East Coast Railway, train service ended in St. Augustine. Travel to areas south of that location was only by boat and very difficult. Florida had beautiful beaches and year-round warmth but the environment was inhospitable. Mosquitos, snakes, alligators and marshland dominated the landscape. Settlements were primitive and there were very few businesses. The luxuries of modern living at the time, including hotels, were non-existent in Florida.
What started as a vacation visit to St. Augustine advised by the doctor of his sick wife, turned into a legacy of change. Mr. Flagler single-handedly opened the door for growth within the state by constructing the railroad system, his chain of hotels and improving the infrastructure. He generously provided churches, schools, plumbing and electricity in many towns along the railroad's route. He modernized this last frontier along the East Coast of the United States funding all of his projects from his own fortune. Reflecting on his accomplishments toward the end of his life he said, "If it wasn't for Florida, I would be a rich man to-day (sic)". We learned through our research that he was a very good man at heart. According to what we read, his goal in developing Florida was not to make money but to create new job opportunities. He said," I have come to the conclusion the best way to help others is to help them to help themselves."
To illustrate the point that Mr. Flagler encourage development of Florida through his system of rail transportation, we found the following population figures. In 1890 Miami had 726 inhabitants. In 1902, when the railroad reached the town, there were about 5,000 people. By 1913, there were 10,000 people.
What started as a vacation visit to St. Augustine advised by the doctor of his sick wife, turned into a legacy of change. Mr. Flagler single-handedly opened the door for growth within the state by constructing the railroad system, his chain of hotels and improving the infrastructure. He generously provided churches, schools, plumbing and electricity in many towns along the railroad's route. He modernized this last frontier along the East Coast of the United States funding all of his projects from his own fortune. Reflecting on his accomplishments toward the end of his life he said, "If it wasn't for Florida, I would be a rich man to-day (sic)". We learned through our research that he was a very good man at heart. According to what we read, his goal in developing Florida was not to make money but to create new job opportunities. He said," I have come to the conclusion the best way to help others is to help them to help themselves."
To illustrate the point that Mr. Flagler encourage development of Florida through his system of rail transportation, we found the following population figures. In 1890 Miami had 726 inhabitants. In 1902, when the railroad reached the town, there were about 5,000 people. By 1913, there were 10,000 people.