Welcome to Islamorada, Florida, where you are about to explore a marvel of early 20th-century engineering: Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad. This historic landmark, also known as the Florida Overseas Railroad, was more than just a railway line; it was a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. The story begins in 1905 when construction on the line commenced, driven by the vision of Henry Morrison Flagler, an American industrialist and a key figure behind the Florida East Coast Railway. Flagler, who had already transformed much of Florida’s east coast into a bustling region of resorts and railroads, set his sights on Key West, hoping to connect it to the mainland and capitalize on the anticipated trade opportunities following the construction of the Panama Canal.
Flagler’s dream was ambitious, often deemed ‘Flagler’s Folly’ due to the sheer complexity of building a railroad over the water to Key West, 128 miles beyond the end of the Florida peninsula. Engineer William J. Krome was tasked with surveying the route, initially considering a path through the Everglades before settling on the more feasible route through the Florida Keys. Despite facing challenges, including three hurricanes during the seven-year construction period, the railroad was completed in 1912. Flagler himself rode the first train into Key West, marking the line as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.’
Though the railroad opened new avenues for trade and tourism, it faced operational challenges. Freight traffic was not as high as anticipated, and the Great Depression further impacted its viability. The railway’s operation was dramatically curtailed by the Labor Day Hurricane in 1935, which destroyed large sections of the line. However, remnants of this engineering feat were repurposed for the Overseas Highway, ensuring that Flagler’s legacy continued to serve Florida’s transportation needs.
The story of Flagler’s Overseas Railroad is not just about trains and tracks; it’s a tale of vision and resilience. It highlights the transformative impact of one man’s dream on the development of Florida and remains a significant chapter in the history of American engineering.
