Sunday, 18 December 2011

Sun, surf & railroads

Bahia Honda State Park about half way to Key West is absolutely gorgeous, we always spend a couple of hours enjoying the sun, sand and surf whenever we pass this way.

The remains of part of the Flagler Overseas Railroad are visible from one beach.  Henry Flagler and his wife arrived in Key West on the railroad on 22 January 1912, 3 days of celebrations followed.

Henry Flagler died at his home in May 1913, without him running the railroad bankruptcy was declared in 1932.   During a powerful hurricane on Labour Day in 1935, hundreds of people in Islamorada lost their lives and 40 miles of track were destroyed.  
The right of way was sold to the State of Florida for $640,000, and was modified into the present Overseas Highway which was opened in 1938. As well as a Florida Scenic Highway it is also classified as an All American Road.

Have fun, we are!

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