This was one of the homes for Henry Morrison Flagler--a man who essentially made Florida a destination. It's funny how we take history for granted. I thought I knew a lot about Florida and I certainly knew of Flagler's importance. However, I recently found a book, "Last Train to Paradise" which is about Flagler's life from a young man until his death, along with his building of the Florida East Coast Railroad all the way to Key West. It is unimaginable how he transformed the Keys to an accessible place.
Whitehall was his home from 1902-1913, a wedding gift for his 3rd wife. She willed the home to her niece who sold the home to investors. It was turned into a hotel for a period of time and almost was demolished! Flagler's granddaughter found out and purchased the home, making it a museum. It is a 100,000 square foot home on the Intracoastal.
@jb030958 yes! Flagler College was built in 1888 by Henry Flagler. It was originally a hotel. The Presbyterian Church he also built after his daughter died in childbirth. More importantly, he brought the railway to St. Augustine, which allowed the wealthy to enjoy his hotel.
