Palm Beach emerged in the late nineteenth century as an exclusive enclave promoted by Henry Flagler, who extended his railroad network to this area and laid the foundations of luxury tourism in the region. On the opposite side of the lagoon, West Palm Beach developed as a service city, a residential area for workers, and a commercial center, with more diverse and less elitist growth.
The route allows observation of the contrast between both shores: historic mansions, residential neighborhoods, urban centers, and public spaces organized around the water. The route reflects how infrastructure and geography shaped the social and economic development of these neighboring communities.
The complete route and its historical context are part of Discovering Florida – Volume 1.
