Flagler’s Whitehall

Whitehall in Palm Beach, FL

In 1892 Henry Flagler, the Standard Oil capitalist whose attentions had turned to building a railroad the length of Florida's east coach and luxury hotels to house the tourists that would follow, visited the narrow, palm-laden barrier island of Palm Beach.

Henry Morrison Flagler
(Photo courtesy of Flagler Museum)

Returning to his St. Augustine home, he announced to his subordinates, "I have found a veritable Paradise!" and directed them to buy property to erect the "largest hotel in the world" and to push the tracks of his Florida East Coast Railroad ever further south.

Vintage Postcard of the Royal Poinciana Hotel

Two years later the Royal Poinciana Hotel, a six-story Georgian-style edifice with over 3 miles of hallways, opened its doors--to 17 guests.  But once the word got out, thousands of sun-seekers flocked south to enjoy its opulent accommodations of more than 1080 rooms; that is until the Stock Market Crash of 1929 swallowed up America's prosperity.  The hotel closed its doors in 1934 and was torn down a year later, a victim of the Great Depression.

Grand Hall Entry

However, Whitehall remains.

The Drawing Room

Tim and I visited this winter retreat with its 75-plus rooms that Flagler at age 72 built as a wedding gift for his 34-year-old third wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler.

Mary Lily Kenan Flagler and Henry M. Flagler
(Photo courtesy of Flagler Museum)

The palatial home was scheduled for demolition in 1959.

The Ballroom

However, Flager's granddaughter, Jean Flagler Matthews, rescued it and turned it into the Flagler Museum.

The Billiard Room

Most of its furnishings are original to the building.

The Music Room

Famous paintings purchased by Henry and Mary Lily adorn its walls.

The Music Room

The pipe organ still holds pride of place in the music room.

Linke Clock

A priceless Louis XV-style clock made by Francois Linke and shown at the 1900 Paris Exposition graces the grand hall entry.  It is truly an amazing residence.

The Pavillon

On the grounds of the museum is the Pavillon erected in 2005.

Railcar No. 91 of the Florida East Coast Railway

It was built to showcase Flagler's private railcar, No. 91.

The Interior of Railcar No. 91

Once again the railcar reveals the wealth of its owner.  Now, that's the way to travel in style!