As we walk along the Overseas Highway in Islamorada, Florida, lets take a moment to appreciate the remarkable engineering feat that lies beneath our feet. This is where Henry Morrison Flaglers Overseas Railroad once stood, an extension of the Florida East Coast Railway that connected Key West to mainland United States.

Flagler, a co-founder of Standard Oil, played a pivotal role in transforming Floridas tourism industry by developing its railroads and hotels. His ambitious project began in 1905, taking seven years to complete. In January 1912, Flagler rode the first train into Key West, marking the completion of the Over-Sea Railroad.

Sadly, in 1935, a powerful hurricane swept through the Florida Keys, causing extensive damage to the railroad. This led to its abandonment and eventually, the Overseas Highway was built on the railroads former right-of-way in 1942, using some of its original bridges and infrastructure.

As we continue our journey through Islamorada, take a moment to envision what this place looked like when the Overseas Railroad was operational. The thunderous roar of the trains as they chugged along the tracks, connecting Key West to the mainland United States, revolutionizing travel for tourists and residents alike in these tropical islands.

For more information on the history and development of this engineering marvel, you can check out the documentary Flaglers Train. Let your imagination run wild as we explore this historic landmark that played such an essential role in linking the Florida Keys with the rest of the country.