Palm Beach
Historical Background

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Before Florida became a territory of the United States in 1821, the country was mostly inhabited by many indigenous peoples, especially the Seminole Indians. Few white settlers had succeeded in taming the harshness of the land. Those who did were either cattle ranchers or farmers.

Men of vision and determination such as Henry Flagler saw a golden opportunity to develop the east coast of Florida. After visiting the area, he became enamored with its temperate climate and saw that hotels and a good transportation system would lure winter visitors. In 1893 he purchased 140 acres on the Atlantic Ocean of what was then called Palm Beach, named because of the many cabbage palms that grew along the beach.

In 1894, Henry Flagler opened his first Palm Beach resort, The Royal Poinciana, on Lake Worth. At the time, it was the only oceanfront hotel south of Daytona Beach. Two years later, he built the Port of Palm Beach, consisting of a pier 1,000 feet long to accommodate steamships traveling to Nassau, Havana, and Key West.

By the turn of the century, Palm Beach was celebrated as the winter vacation grounds for the wealthy. The Royal Poinciana resort was enlarged to twice its size. In 1900, the foundation for the Flagler estate, Whitehall, was laid, opening in 1902.

Between 1920 and 1927, the population of Palm Beach increased four fold. The community saw new schools, an increase in farming, sugar businesses, hotels, theatres, and services. Hurricanes in 1926 and 1928 brought considerable property damage. To make matters worse, the stock market crashed in 1929, reducing property values in half. It took many years to regain the loss.

World War II brought the military into place along Florida’s coastline to watch for enemy submarines and U-boats. During the 1950’s, veterans from the war began moving into the area. This began a new era in the development of Palm Beach and neighboring communities.

Today, a revitalization program for the downtown district is underway. Mansions built by industrial magnates in the 1920’s are museums. Whitehall is a magnificent example of the opulence of the era.

Many of the smaller neighborhood homes are now charming bed and breakfasts. Grand hotels cater to both the business and pleasure traveler. Worth Avenue is once again an exclusive shopping boulevard, lined with restaurants, art galleries, antique stores and boutiques. During the summer months, the town is more affordable. Seasonal rates at hotels and inns attract many who might not otherwise come during the winter.

Palm Beach is still the winter vacationland of many, whether wealthy or not so wealthy. Visitors flock to this historic city all year long. The price of real estate is skyrocketing again. Renovations of historic homes are encouraged with grants and recognition.

Families and yuppies fit right in. Palm Beach appeals to everyone. For sure, the swaying palms, warm ocean breezes, and tropical waters haven’t changed one bit.