USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -In the late 19thh Century, Henry Flagler and Henry Plant each engaged in building railroads. Flagler’s East Coast Overseas Railroad traversed the east side of the state, opening travel to Key West. Plant’s ambitions combined rail and steam ship operations to develop Central and Western Florida.

Detailed explanation-2: -Henry Flagler purchased the Jacksonville, St. Augustine & Halifax River Railroad, the first railroad in what eventually became the Florida East Coast Railway. He also bought his first parcel of St. Augustine property, the site of the future Hotel Ponce de Leon.

Detailed explanation-3: -The FEC is renowned as the railroad that built the first railroad bridges to Key West that have since been rebuilt into road bridges for vehicle traffic, now known as the Overseas Highway. It was originally known as the Florida Coast and Gulf Railway and then the Jacksonville, St.

Detailed explanation-4: -Flagler and Plant’s business ventures provided the infrastructure that enabled Florida to be transformed into a destination for health, tourism, and land ownership. Prior to the contributions of Flagler and Plant, Florida was one of the most economically challenged states in the United States.