Climb Aboard! Flagler Centennial Parade Celebrates Keys History

It was the single most important event in Florida Keys history. On Jan. 22, 1912 – for the first time ever – a train rolled from Florida’s mainland to Key West on the Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad. Virtually everyone on the island was there to greet it, as well as a smattering of dignitaries. In fact, it was the largest gathering in Key West history – a rip-roaring celebration of the Keys’ new connection with each other as well as the rest of the country. Now, that festive community spirit is being recreated with a parade honoring the 100-year anniversary of that epic event – and you’re invited! The historic procession chugs into Key West’s Old Town on 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 . Marching groups, floats, bands, dancers, historic re-enactors and more will prance, play and sway in the Flagler Centennial Parade . The route begins at Southard and Whitehead Streets, proceeds along Duval Street and ends near the Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House, where a re-enactor portraying railroad founder Henry Flagler will greet crowds. The parade’s just part of the party! Centennial anniversary events include: A 1900’s-era costume ball A performance by a Henry Flagler re-enactor Family fun day at the former railroad workers’ camp on Pigeon Key Museum and memorabilia exhibitions A re-enactment at Bahia Honda State Park Sounds like you should definitely climb aboard this celebration! Want more Florida Flagler fun? Check out this article detailing centennial events through January. Flagler facts: Heralded as the father of Miami and the founder of Palm Beach, this American tycoon was a real estate promoter, railroad developer and a partner of John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil. Flagler was instrumental in developing Florida’s eastern Atlantic coast and founded what became the Florida East Coast Railway.

See the Full Details:
Climb Aboard! Flagler Centennial Parade Celebrates Keys History