Key figure

Henry M. Flagler

1830–1913

Born 1830
Married Daniel M. Harkness 1849 (Henry 19) · until death · 64 years
Married Ida Alice Shourds 1883 (Henry 53, Ida 35) · divorced 1901 · 18 years
Died 1913 · age 83

Industrialist & developer

Part of the The Flaglers topic.

Co-founder of Standard Oil and architect of Florida’s east coast railway and resort network.

Philanthropy

Henry M. Flagler's giving

Giving in the shadow of enterprise

Henry M. Flagler’s philanthropic record is difficult to trace in the surviving material provided here. It describes him as a philanthropist and says he preferred charitable work to remain anonymous, but names no specific personal gifts, amounts, or foundation he established. His story is therefore best told with care: his Florida projects shaped communities, while some of the better-documented charitable work associated with his fortune was carried out by family members after his death.

Florida as a lasting investment

After building his wealth with Standard Oil, Flagler turned to Florida. From the 1880s onward he developed hotels and extended the Florida East Coast Railway, helping make the state’s Atlantic coast accessible to visitors. These were business ventures, not charitable donations; the material does not establish them as gifts. Still, their effects endured in the towns, transport links, and tourism economy that grew around them. Flagler’s commitment to the Presbyterian church is also noted, though no church gift or amount is specified.

Family and legacy

Flagler’s third wife, Mary Lily Kenan, was the sister of philanthropist William R. Kenan Jr. The supplied account links the Flagler family fortune to charitable work by heirs, including the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, which supported educational and cultural institutions. That later giving should not be mistaken for Henry’s own donations. Likewise, Flagler College was founded in 1968 by his heir Lawrence Lewis Jr.; its central building is the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, built by Flagler as a resort.

Flagler’s philanthropic legacy, then, is partly indirect. His enterprises transformed Florida, and wealth accumulated through them later helped support education and culture through his descendants. The available accounts suggest that he valued discretion in charitable matters, but they do not provide enough evidence to name his causes, collaborators in specific gifts, or the sums he personally gave.

Sources: teachingcleveland.org, ebsco.com, flagler.edu

Across the archive

Stories featuring Henry M. Flagler

Historical article

The Two Henrys in Florida

Henry Flagler and Henry Plant were both trying to develop Florida at the same time.

Historical article

The Harkness Family in Bar Harbor: A Chronicle of a Gilded Age Presence, 1891-1925

The Harkness Family in Bar Harbor: A Chronicle of a Gilded Age Presence, 1891-1925. A Standard Oil Fortune Summers in Maine. As principals in the formidable Standard Oil trust, the Harkness family occupied a rarified position within America’s Gilded Age aristocracy.

Historical article

1830
Birth of Henry Morrison Flagler
Henry Morrison Flagler (January 2, 1830 – May 20, 1913) was an American industrialist and a founder of Standard Oil, which was first based in Ohio.
From the story: Henry M. Flagler
1830
Henry Morrison Flagler was born in Hopewell, New York
In 1830 Henry Morrison Flagler was born Jan. 2 in Hopewell, New York, described as Daniel M. Harkness’s younger half-brother.
From the story: The Harkness/Flagler Timeline
1837
Henry Morrison Flagler (7) lived in Toledo, Ohio as a child
In 1837, Isaac Flagler was assigned to a parish in Toledo, Ohio; Henry Morrison Flagler (7) was 7 years old at that time.
From the story: Start Here: Scandal, Success, Oil and Steam: The Incredible Story of Henry Flagler and the Harkness Family
1839
Henry Morrison Flagler (9)’s family left Toledo, Ohio for Hammondsport, New York
The article says the Flaglers stayed in Toledo for two years and then moved back to Hammondsport, New York.
From the story: Start Here: Scandal, Success, Oil and Steam: The Incredible Story of Henry Flagler and the Harkness Family
1844
Henry Morrison Flagler (14) went to Ohio at age 14 to work
Daniel convinced his half-brother Henry Morrison Flagler (14) to join him; Henry Morrison Flagler (14) went to Ohio at age 14 to work in 1844, earning US$5 per month plus room and board.
From the story: Start Here: Scandal, Success, Oil and Steam: The Incredible Story of Henry Flagler and the Harkness Family
1844
Daniel M. Harkness and Henry M. Flagler (14) moved to Bellevue, Ohio to pursue grain and distillery business
Daniel M. Harkness and Henry M. Flagler (14) moved to Bellevue, Ohio after working in Republic, Ohio, to become more involved in the grain and distillery business.
From the story: Daniel M. Harkness
1849
Daniel M. Harkness marries Isabella Harkness
Henry Flagler (19) and his first wife Mary Harkness (married 1853) and her sister Isabella Harkness (seated) who married Henry’s half-brother Daniel M. Harkness in 1849.
From the story: Henry M. Flagler
1849
Henry Morrison Flagler (19) was promoted to sales staff
By 1849, Henry Morrison Flagler (19) was promoted to the sales staff and paid $40 per month.
From the story: Start Here: Scandal, Success, Oil and Steam: The Incredible Story of Henry Flagler and the Harkness Family
26 August 1850
Henry Flagler (20) meets Stephen V. Harkness (32)
1853
Henry Flagler (23) marries Mary Harkness
Henry Flagler (23) and his first wife Mary Harkness (married 1853) ...
From the story: Henry M. Flagler
1858
Henry Morrison Flagler (28) sold his stake and entered the salt business in Saginaw, Michigan
In 1858, Henry Morrison Flagler (28) sold his stake in the grain and distillery business and went into the salt business in Saginaw, Michigan with his brother-in-law Barney York.
From the story: Start Here: Scandal, Success, Oil and Steam: The Incredible Story of Henry Flagler and the Harkness Family
1859
Henry Flagler (29) builds the Gingerbread House
Henry built the Gingerbread House in 1859 for his wife Mary; Will later inherited it from his father Dan.
From the story: The Day Henry Flagler and Will Harkness returned to Bellevue, Ohio
1862
Henry Morrison Flagler (32) returned to Bellevue, Ohio after the salt business failed
In 1862, the salt business failed; Henry Morrison Flagler (32) first returned to Bellevue and then moved to Cleveland, where he shared office space with John D. Rockefeller (23).
From the story: Start Here: Scandal, Success, Oil and Steam: The Incredible Story of Henry Flagler and the Harkness Family
1862
Henry M. Flagler (32) failed in the salt business and Daniel M. Harkness later lent him money to bail him out
After Henry M. Flagler (32) went into the salt business in Michigan and later returned having lost a substantial salt mine investment, Daniel M. Harkness helped bail him out by lending him money.
From the story: Daniel M. Harkness
1863
The Enrollment Act of 1863 provided for substitutes; Henry M. Flagler (33) used the option
The story states that after Daniel M. Harkness served, the Enrollment Act of 1863 allowed a draftee to pay a substitute enrollee $300; Henry M. Flagler (33) and John D. Rockefeller (24) took this option while helping the war effort.
From the story: Daniel M. Harkness
1866
Henry M. Flagler (36) moved to Cleveland in 1866
Flagler then moved to Cleveland in 1866, thinking he would have better opportunities in a larger city; he had an office in the same building as John D. Rockefeller (27).
From the story: Daniel M. Harkness
1867
John D. Rockefeller (28) approached Henry Morrison Flagler (37) and made him a partner in Rockefeller, Andrews & Flagler
In 1867, John D. Rockefeller (28) needed capital for his new oil business and approached Henry Morrison Flagler (37), who was made a partner in the newly formed Rockefeller, Andrews & Flagler partnership.
From the story: Start Here: Scandal, Success, Oil and Steam: The Incredible Story of Henry Flagler and the Harkness Family
1867
Stephen V. Harkness (49) invested $100,000 on the condition Henry Morrison Flagler (37) be made a partner
Stephen V. Harkness (49) invested $100,000 on the condition that Henry Morrison Flagler (37) be made a partner.
From the story: Start Here: Scandal, Success, Oil and Steam: The Incredible Story of Henry Flagler and the Harkness Family
1867
John D. Rockefeller (28), Daniel M. Harkness, Henry M. Flagler (37), and Stephen V. Harkness (49) unite firms to form Rockefeller, Andrews & Flagler
The article states that in the year 1867 the firms of William Rockefeller & Co., Rockefeller & Andrews, Rockefeller & Co., and S. V. Harkness and H. M. Flagler united in forming the firm of Rockefeller, Andrews & Flagler.
From the story: John D. Rockefeller & The Standard Oil Partners: Flagler and Harkness
1870
Standard Oil formed
When Standard Oil was formed in 1870, Henry Flagler (40) bought his home across the street ...
From the story: Henry M. Flagler
1870
The Rockefeller, Andrews & Flagler partnership grew into the Standard Oil Corporation
The article states that the partnership grew into the Standard Oil Corporation in 1870, with articles of incorporation signed by John D. Rockefeller (31), Henry Morrison Flagler (40), Sam Andrews, Stephen V. Harkness (52), and William Rockefeller.
From the story: Start Here: Scandal, Success, Oil and Steam: The Incredible Story of Henry Flagler and the Harkness Family
2 December 1870
Son Harry Harkness Flagler Born
Henry's first and only son, Harry, is born.
1876
Isaac Flagler passed away
In 1876 Isaac Flagler, Henry Morrison Flagler (46)’s father, passed away; Henry Morrison Flagler (46) did not attend the funeral.
From the story: The Harkness/Flagler Timeline
1877
Henry Flagler (47) family moved to New York City when Standard Oil moved its headquarters there
In 1877, Henry Flagler (47)’s family moved to New York City when Standard Oil moved its headquarters there.
From the story: St. Augustine, Florida – Flagler’s start in Florida
1877-1878
Henry Flagler (47) family wintered in St. Augustine, Florida
During the winter of 1877-1878, Henry Flagler (47), Mary Harkness Flagler (44), Harry Hinckley, Jennie Flagler, and Carrie Flagler spent the winter in St. Augustine, Florida.
From the story: St. Augustine, Florida – Flagler’s start in Florida
1878
Henry Morrison Flagler (48) and Mary visited Jacksonville for the winter
In 1878, upon advice from Mary Flagler (45)’s physician, Henry Morrison Flagler (48) and his wife visited Jacksonville, Florida for the winter.
From the story: The Harkness/Flagler Timeline
1881
Mary Flagler (48) dies and is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery
The article says Henry’s wife Mary, born in Bellevue, passed away in 1881 while the couple lived in New York City, and she was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.
From the story: The Day Henry Flagler and Will Harkness returned to Bellevue, Ohio
1881
Henry Flagler (51) rented a beach house on Orient Point in Mamaroneck, New York
To be closer to his family after Mary Harkness Flagler (48)’s death, Henry Flagler (51) rented a beach house on 28 acres at Orient Point in Mamaroneck, New York.
From the story: Flagler’s Satanstoe aka “Lawn Beach” Retreat
1881
Henry M. Flagler (51) asked Carrie (aunt of Harry Harkness Flagler) to become Harry Harkness Flagler’s caregiver
Henry M. Flagler (51) asked his sister Carrie (aunt of Harry Harkness Flagler) to become Harry Harkness Flagler’s caregiver and raise him.
From the story: Harry Harkness Flagler
1882
Henry Flagler (52) purchased the beach house on Orient Point in Mamaroneck, New York
Henry Flagler (52) purchased the beach house the following year. The home was called “Satanstoe” and sometimes “Lawn Beach.”
From the story: Flagler’s Satanstoe aka “Lawn Beach” Retreat
1 June 1882
Henry buys Satanstoe in Mamaroneck, NY
After his wife Mary passed away, Flagler buys Satanstoe (named after the area in Westchester and James Fenimore Coopers Manuscript of the same name) for $125,000 as a retreat from busy New York - by Jan 2, 1885 and spends an additional $330,000 on the property renovating it. He felt obliged to spend more time with his family in a bucolic setting after spending so much of his time busy with Standard Oil. Ida Alice Shourds (33) is there with him.
1882-1883
Henry M. Flagler (52) spent the winter of 1882-1883 in St. Augustine
Henry M. Flagler (52) spent the winter of 1882–1883 in St. Augustine, became interested in the historic city, and became interested in its potential as a winter resort for wealthy northerners.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1882-1883
Henry M. Flagler (52) became impressed by the poured concrete construction method of Franklin Smith's Villa Zorayda
Henry M. Flagler (52) was particularly impressed with the poured concrete construction method of Franklin Smith's Villa Zorayda and offered to buy it for his wife; Franklin Smith would not sell.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1883
Marriage of Ida Alice Flagler (35) and Henry Flagler (53)
In 1883, Ida Alice Flagler (35) married the widower Henry Flagler (53); Henry Flagler (53) was 53 years old and Ida Alice Flagler (35) was 35.
From the story: The Tragic Life of Ida Alice Shourds Flagler: Madness, Money, and a $300 Million Divorce
1885
Henry Flagler (55) built the Ponce de Leon Hotel
Henry Flagler (55) eventually built the Ponce de Leon Hotel in 1885 and started his second career as the developer of Florida.
From the story: The Tragic Life of Ida Alice Shourds Flagler: Madness, Money, and a $300 Million Divorce
1885
Henry M. Flagler (55) returned to St. Augustine in 1885
Henry M. Flagler (55) returned to St. Augustine in 1885 and made Franklin Smith an offer: if Smith could raise $50,000, Flagler would invest $150,000 and they would build a hotel together.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1885
Henry M. Flagler (55) began construction of the Ponce de León Hotel by himself
When Franklin Smith could not come up with the funds, Henry M. Flagler (55) began construction of the Ponce de León Hotel by himself, spending several times his original estimate. Franklin Smith helped train masons on mixing and pouring techniques used on the Villa Zorayda.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1 February 1885
San Marco Hotel Opens in St. Augustine
The San Marco Hotel started January 1 1884 and opened in 1885, was the main competition to Henry Flagler (55)'s hotels. Henry Flagler (55) and his second wife, Ida Alice Shrouds, spent their honeymoon in this hotel. In part, this beautiful new hotel convinced Flagler that St. Augustine had possibilities. The hotel was unique for St. Augustine in that it sat on twenty acres of land and created its own environment.
1886
Henry Flagler (56) owned railcar FEC #91 (built in 1886)
The article states that railcar FEC #91 was built in 1886 in Wilmington, Delaware, by the Jackson and Sharp Company. It was Henry Flagler (56)’s original railcar.
From the story: Railcars #90 and #91 – Henry Flagler’s “Jets”
1887
Henry M. Flagler (57)'s Ponce de León Hotel was completed in 1887
The Ponce de León Hotel project was completed in 1887.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1888
Henry M. Flagler (58) purchased Franklin Smith's Casa Monica Hotel and reopened it as the Cordova in 1888
A year later, in 1888, Henry M. Flagler (58) purchased Franklin Smith's troubled Casa Monica Hotel, renovated it, and reopened it as the Cordova.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
17 September 1888
Flagler Builds Ponce de Leon Hotel
Henry Flagler (58), having visited St. Augustine viewed the lack of world class accommodations as an opportunity. He loved the city's style and decided to build a hotel. The Hotel Ponce de Leon was built on land that was part of a former orange grove and partially salt marsh belonging to Dr. Andrew Anderson, owner of the Markland house. The hotel at 74 King st. in the Spanish Quarter section of St. Augustine was designed by architects John Carrere and Thomas Hastings of the firm Carrère and Hastings in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style. Construction began in 1885 by contractors and former New England shipbuilders James McGuire and Joseph McDonald; the building was completed in 1887. The hotel was open for guests for just four months a year during the winter season. The Hotel faced demolition in the late 1960's when Lawrence Lewis Jr., a Flagler relative, had the vision to create a world class liberal arts college using the hotel as the centerpiece. This has been a great success and Flagler College is recognized as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the South East.
1889
Jennie died on her way to St. Augustine to visit Henry M. Flagler (59)
Harry Harkness Flagler’s sister Jennie died on her way to St. Augustine to visit Henry M. Flagler (59).
From the story: Harry Harkness Flagler
17 September 1889
Flagler builds Alcazar Hotel - Completes 3 Hotels
Henry realized that while the Ponce de Leon would be a great draw for the wealthy of the Guilded Age, he still needed a hotel that would cater to those with smaller bank accounts and the more active clientele. So, he built the Alcazar across the street from the Ponce de Leon as a lower cost and overflow option. Many european guests actually preferred the understated Alcazar over the Ponce de Leon. It is also said that Thomas Edison preferred it as well.
1890
Henry builds a church and Flagler Columbarium in St. Augustine for Jenny
After his daughter Jenny and her child died, Henry built a church and Flagler Columbarium in St Augustine, Florida in her honor and relocated Jenny, his wife Mary, and other family there.
From the story: The Day Henry Flagler and Will Harkness returned to Bellevue, Ohio
1890
Henry M. Flagler (60) opened another hotel in St. Augustine after two years
Within two years of opening the Ponce de León Hotel, Henry M. Flagler (60) opened another hotel in St. Augustine, the Alcazar.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1890
Henry Flagler (60) hired John M. Carrere and Thomas Hastings to build the Memorial Presbyterian Church in 1890
The article states that Henry Flagler (60) hired renowned architects John M. Carrere and Thomas Hastings to build the Venetian Renaissance Revival-style church in 1890, and that Jennie Louise Flagler Benedict, her daughter Marjorie Flagler, Henry Flagler (60), and Henry Flagler (60)’s first wife Mary Harkness Flagler are laid to rest in the mausoleum.
From the story: Flagler Mausoleum – St. Augustine, FL
1892
Henry M. Flagler (62) invited Harry Harkness Flagler to work at his hotels in St. Augustine
In 1892, after dropping out of Princeton, Henry M. Flagler (62) invited Harry Harkness Flagler to work at his hotels in St. Augustine to learn hotel management and railroads.
From the story: Harry Harkness Flagler
1893
Henry M. Flagler (63) announced Harry Harkness Flagler would take over responsibilities for all three hotels
One year later, Henry M. Flagler (63) announced that Harry Harkness Flagler would be taking over responsibilities for all three of his hotels, starting with the Hotel Ponce de Leon.
From the story: Harry Harkness Flagler
1894
Henry Flagler (64) builds the Hotel Royal Poinciana
In 1894, Henry Flagler (64) built his first Palm Beach hotel, the Hotel Royal Poinciana, which had over 1,100 rooms and was described as the largest wooden structure in the world at the time.
From the story: Palm Beach, Florida – Flagler’s Vision
5 August 1896
Daniel M. Harkness dies
Daniel M. Harkness, Henry Flaglers half-brother, dies in Bellevue, Ohio at age 73
1898
Henry Flagler (68) bought a new railcar and renamed older railcar FEC #91 to FEC #91 (renaming sequence leading to FEC #90 and FEC #91)
The article states that when Henry Flagler (68) bought a new car in 1898, he renamed the older car FEC #91 and then named the new car FEC #90.
From the story: Railcars #90 and #91 – Henry Flagler’s “Jets”
1900
The Breakers is rebuilt under Henry Flagler (70)
In 1900, the second version of The Breakers was completed after the original hotel burned down, using a more fire-resistant structure made of steel and concrete.
From the story: Palm Beach, Florida – Flagler’s Vision
20 April 1900
Flagler builds Continental Hotel jacksonville
As Henry's Florida Railroad continued to expand up and down the east coast of Florida, he added hotels. The Continental Hotel was built in Jacksonville at Atlantic Beach
1901
Henry Morrison Flagler (71) divorces Ida Alice Shourds (53)
The marriage to Ida Alice Shourds (53) ended in divorce in 1901, before Henry married Mary Lily Kenan that August.
From the story: Henry M. Flagler
1901
Divorce of Ida Alice Flagler (53) and Henry Flagler (71)
In 1901, controversy surrounded Henry Flagler (71)’s divorce from Ida Alice Flagler (53), which was tied to her diagnosis of “incurable delusional insanity” and confinement to a sanitarium; Henry Flagler (71) obtained new Florida divorce laws that included divorce on the grounds of insanity.
From the story: The Tragic Life of Ida Alice Shourds Flagler: Madness, Money, and a $300 Million Divorce
1901
Henry Flagler (71) completes Whitehall for Mary Lily Keenan Flagler
In 1901, Whitehall was completed for Henry Flagler (71) as a gift to his new wife, Mary Lily Keenan Flagler.
From the story: Palm Beach, Florida – Flagler’s Vision
16 May 1902
Henry builds Whitehall for Mary Lily as a wedding present
Henry decided Mary Lily needed a wedding present. By that time he had decided to develop Palm Beach and built her a Florida Palace to winter in for just 8 weeks a year. So he built Whitehall. In March 30, 1902, a story in the New York Herald described Whitehall, the Palm Beach home of Henry Flagler (72) as, More wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world...Flagler built the 75-room, 100,000-square-foot Gilded Age mansion, Whitehall, as a wedding present for his wife, Mary Lily Kenan Flagler. The couple used the home as a winter retreat from 1902 until Flagler's death in 1913, establishing the Palm Beach season for the wealthy of the Gilded Age. Flagler commissioned the same architects responsible for his Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine, John Carrere and Thomas Hastings, to design Whitehall. Carrere and Hastings, each trained at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, apprenticed at the New York firm of McKim, Mead and White, were practitioners of the Beaux Arts style of architecture made popular at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. These architects also collaborated on the design for other Gilded Age landmarks such as the New York Public Library and the Fifth Avenue mansion of Henry Clay Frick.
1903 (October)
Henry Flagler (73)’s last Bellevue visit with Will L. Harkness (44)
The article’s central event: Henry’s last visit to Bellevue occurs in October 1903 with Will L. Harkness (44).
From the story: The Day Henry Flagler and Will Harkness returned to Bellevue, Ohio
12 June 1908
Henry resigns as Std. Oil VP
Flagler resigns as VP of Standard Oil - remains on the board
1910s-1920s
Henry M. Flagler saw declining visitor numbers for the Ponce de León Hotel during the 1910s and 1920s
The hotel saw declining visitor numbers throughout the 1910s and 1920s, with one major cause being the continuous extension of Henry M. Flagler's railway that allowed tourists to vacation further south.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1913
Elizabeth Flagler died in Bellevue; Henry Morrison Flagler (83) attended the funeral
In 1861 Elizabeth Flagler, Henry Morrison Flagler (83)’s mother, died in Bellevue, and Henry Morrison Flagler (83) attended the funeral.
Ends 64 years of marriage (1849–1913)
From the story: The Harkness/Flagler Timeline
1913
Henry Flagler (83) died
Henry Flagler (83) died in 1913; his will left his son, Harry Harkness Flagler, only a small portion and left the largest part of his fortune to his third wife, Mary Lily Kenan.
From the story: Where did all the money go?
1916
Mary Lily Kenan remarried in 1916
After Henry Flagler’s death, Mary Lily Kenan inherited property including Satanstoe, Whitehall in Palm Beach, and Kirkside in St. Augustine; she later remarried in 1916.
From the story: Flagler’s Satanstoe aka “Lawn Beach” Retreat
1941
Henry M. Flagler's Ponce de León Hotel served as a Coast Guard training center in May 1941 and afterward
St. Augustine is described as the birthplace of the Coast Guard Reserve, with one of the first classes to graduate from Reserve officer training doing so in May 1941. From 1942 until the end of the war in 1945, thousands of recruits received basic and advanced training at the hotel.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1942-1945
Jacob Lawrence trained at Henry M. Flagler's Ponce de León Hotel during World War II
From 1942 through 1945, Jacob Lawrence received training at the Ponce de Leon Hotel (commandeered by the Coast Guard) after his basic training at Curtis Bay, Maryland.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1945
Henry M. Flagler's Ponce de León Hotel returned to hotel operation after World War II
After the war ended, the building was deactivated by the Coast Guard and returned to operation as a hotel.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
30 June 1952
Son - Harry Flagler Dies at the age of 81
Each daughter received 20,000 shares of Standard Oil (valued in 1952 at $1,600,000 for each daughter). The daughters were Mrs. Melbert B. Carey, Jr., of New York, Mrs. Flagler Harris of Philadelphia, and Mrs. Jean Flagler Matthews, of Rye, N. Y. (she would later buy and restore Whitehall the Palm Beach home of Henry Flagler.
1959
1959 Henry Morrison Flagler Museum corporation founded by Jean Flagler Matthews
In 1959, Jean Flagler Matthews saved the site from demolition. She established the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum non-profit corporation, which purchased the building in 1959.
From the story: Whitehall – Flagler’s Palm Beach Cottage
1959
Henry Flagler’s railcar FEC #91 was acquired by the Flagler Museum in 1959
The article states that the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach, Florida acquired the car in 1959 and restored it to its original appearance.
From the story: Railcars #90 and #91 – Henry Flagler’s “Jets”
1960
1960 opening of Whitehall as the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum
The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum opened in 1960.
From the story: Whitehall – Flagler’s Palm Beach Cottage
1967
Henry M. Flagler's Ponce de León Hotel was permanently closed in 1967
In 1967, the Ponce de Leon Hotel was permanently closed.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1968
Henry M. Flagler's Ponce de León Hotel became the centerpiece of Flagler College in 1968
In 1968, the hotel became the centerpiece of the newly established Flagler College.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1972
Jeanne/Jean Flagler Mathews decides to create a unified Flagler family cemetery
The article says that in 1972 Henry’s granddaughter Jean Flagler Matthews decided to bring the Flaglers together in New York and take on creating a Flagler family cemetery.
From the story: The Day Henry Flagler and Will Harkness returned to Bellevue, Ohio
1975
Henry M. Flagler's Ponce de León Hotel was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1975
The building was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
1988
Flagler College celebrated the centennial of Henry M. Flagler's Ponce de León Hotel in 1988
In 1988, Flagler College celebrated the centennial of the Ponce de Leon Hotel.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler
2006
Henry M. Flagler's Ponce de León Hotel became a U.S. National Historic Landmark on February 21, 2006
A decade later from Flagler's Legacy program, and separately, the building became a U.S. National Historic Landmark on February 21, 2006.
From the story: Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler

Henry M. Flagler

Henry M. Flagler's giving

Giving in the shadow of enterprise

Florida as a lasting investment

Family and legacy

Stories featuring Henry M. Flagler

The Two Henrys in Florida

The Harkness Family in Bar Harbor: A Chronicle of a Gilded Age Presence, 1891-1925

Bill Oddo – Legendary Bellevue Historian

Robber Baron – Yes or No?

Palm Beach, Florida – Flagler’s Vision

Stephen V. Harkness – Standard Oil Venture Capitalist

Henry Flagler’s two favorites

Ponce de León Hotel – Henry Flagler

Flagler’s Satanstoe aka “Lawn Beach” Retreat

Railcars #90 and #91 – Henry Flagler’s “Jets”

Where did all the money go?

Whitehall – Flagler’s Palm Beach Cottage