The Flagler Museum

A must in Palm Beach

Henry Morrison Flagler (January 2, 1830 – May 20, 1913) was an American industrialist and a founder of Standard Oil together with John D. Rockefeller. He was also a key figure in the development of the Atlantic coast of Florida and founder of what became the Florida East Coast Railway. He is known as the father of Miami, Florida, and founded the city of Palm Beach.

The Overseas Railroad (a.k.a. Florida Overseas Railroad and the Overseas Extension) was an extension of the Florida East Coast Railway to Key West, located 128 miles (206 kilometers) beyond the end of the Florida peninsula. Work on the line started in 1905 and was completed in 1912; the line was in daily passenger and freight service until its destruction by a hurricane in 1935.

When Whitehall, Henry Flagler's Gilded Age estate in Palm Beach, was completed in 1902, the New York Herald proclaimed that it was "more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world." Today, Whitehall is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as the Flagler Museum, featuring guided tours, changing exhibits, and special programs. Visiting areas are First Floor, Second Floor and Pavilion.

Practical Tips:

Distance from Roseaire: 22 miles, approximately 30 minutes. Map. Be aware that the bridge will remain closed to traffic for several months in 2014 for an undergoing repair.

Hours and admittance: 10am-5pm. Closed on Mondays. Admittance fee ($18 in 2016) includes the self-guided audio-tour. There is also an app that you can download for free for iOS or Android devices.

Virtual Tour video Here