The Overseas Railroad Changed the Florida Keys Forever
It was January 1912 when a Pullman sleeping car left New York City bound for Key West. Flagler's seemingly impossible dream of building an overseas railroad, connecting the little island of Key West to the mainland, had become a reality. On January 22nd at 10:30am, an 82 year old Henry Flagler accompanied by his wife, pulled into Key West via train. Once the island was joined to the 'real' world it changed the face of Key West forever. This year, throughout the Florida Keys, there are ceremonies and celebrations commemorating the 100 year anniversary of Flagler's audacious feat, and all the men and women that worked tirelessly in the mosquito infested sweltering mangroves to make his dream come true. This upcoming Sunday, January 22 is the Flagler Centennial Parade. The parade will begin at 1pm on Duval St., then head down from Angela St. making a left on Front St. and end in front of the Customs House Museum of Art & History. There, a re-enactor portraying railroad founder Flagler is to greet crowds and deliver portions of a speech Flagler made 100 years ago. Spectators can then attend the debut of the museum's expanded "Speedway to Sunshine" Over-Sea Railroad exhibit for a reduced museum admission rate of $5 per person. Take part in a slice of Florida Keys history and explore the makings of our island city. If you are interested in other Flagler commemorative events and celebrations throughout the year, visit http://www.flaglerkeys100.com/ for a calender of events.
