Henry Flagler was the founder of Standard Oil and a major developer in – some say the father of – Saint Augustine, Miami and Palm Beach. Part of his vision for creating an American Riviera was building a railroad along Florida’s east coast. In 1905, he committed to extending rails to Key West. The Florida Overseas Railroad was finished in 1912. He also wanted a premiere hotel where his arriving passengers could stay in luxury. He died in 1913, seven years before his dream of the Casa Marina Resort was realized. Today this historic hotel is a Waldorf Astoria Resort.
