In this dynamic lecture, travel back to the Gilded Age and meet Henry Flagler, the industrialist who, after co-founding Standard Oil, set his sights on the untamed coasts of Florida. Learn how Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway didn’t just lay tracks-it laid the foundation for entire cities, from the opulent resorts of Palm Beach to the bustling streets of Miami and the daring Over-Sea Railroad stretching to Key West. Uncover the epic story of ambition, engineering, and resilience as Flagler’s crews battled hurricanes, swamps, and staggering odds to connect the Sunshine State. Hear how partnerships with pioneers like Julia Tuttle helped transform Miami from a mosquito-ridden outpost into a thriving metropolis. Explore how Flagler’s vision for luxury hotels and modern infrastructure turned FL into America’s winter playground and a global economic powerhouse.