On January 22, 19
12, for the first time ever, Key West was connected to the mainland of Florida as the first train on the Overseas Railroad steamed into the terminal. What an engineering marvel had been completed! The railroad's tracks stretched 100 miles out into open waters and the feat was sometimes called the "eighth wonder of the world."
Key West, along with all the Florida Keys, will celebrate the centennial anniversary of that first incredible train trip this year. The centennial events are occurring throughout 2011 and will end on January 22, 2012. The railroad's builder, Standard Oil millionaire, Henry Flagler, will be honored during the centennial for his vision in creating this "railroad to the sea." When construction for the railroad was begun in 1905, his critics referred to this project as "Flagler's Folly." Seven years later, a proud Henry Flagler rode the first train making the trip from the mainland to Key West.
A permanent exhibit entitled, "Flagler's Speedway to Sunshine" is on display at the Key West Custom House Museum on Front Street. The exhibit includes artifacts from the railroad workers and the wives and children who came with them to the remote Florida Keys, as well as items from the original railroad cars. There is also a re-created railcar, and a replica of a section of the Seven Mile Bridge, which was at Marathon in the Middle Keys. Take a minute and enjoy a preview: Overseas Railroad Exhibit .
The Florida Keys Challenge, a 115-mile paddling adventure will start in Key Largo on January 12, 2012, and end in Key West on the exact day of the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first train, January 22, 2012. For more information on this event, visit PaddleFlorida.org.
The Overseas Railroad provided a breath-taking passage from the Florida mainland all through the Keys to Key West for over 20 years until it was destroyed in a devastating hurricane in 1935. The railroad was never rebuilt and the State of Florida bought the right of way and remaining trestles and arches. The Overseas Highway, which is a continuation of US Route 1, was built over parts of the old railroad and completed on July 4, 1938.
Even today with all of the engineering developments and technology, a 100-mile railroad over open water would be a challenge. It is amazing what was created 100 years ago to change the history of Key West. We owe a great deal of our development and the opportunities that exist in Key West today to the vision and power of Henry Flagler and his "eighth wonder of the world." The trip across the Overseas Highway is still amazing, and it is with gratitude that we celebrate the Flagler Centennial Celebration.
Be part of the celebration with a new home in Key West! I have all the information you need. Give me a call today and we'll get started. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.