Florida Historical Markers Programs - Marker Detail

Description: At 9:43 a.m., January 22, 1912, 15,000 citizens of Key West, many of whom had never seen a train, stood here watched the arrival of five cars carrying the Henry M. Flagler party. This signaled the completion of the overseas extension of Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway. Flagler was given a tumultuous reception and that day several more trains arrived with celebrities, including Florida Governor Albert Gilchrist. The celebration lasted days and brought Flagler praise from around the world.