Overseas-Railway
The Overseas-Railway, also known as the Florida East Coast Railway, was an ambitious engineering project that aimed to connect mainland Florida to Key-West via a series of bridges and viaducts. Here are some detailed points about this remarkable infrastructure:
History
- Conception: The idea for the Overseas-Railway was conceived by Henry Flagler, a key figure in the development of Florida's tourism and transportation infrastructure. Flagler saw the potential of linking Key West with the mainland to facilitate trade, especially with Cuba and Latin America, as well as to boost tourism.
- Construction: Construction began in 1905 and was an engineering marvel of its time. The railway extended over 128 miles, including 42 bridges and viaducts, with the longest being the Seven-Mile Bridge.
- Completion: The railway was completed in 1912, with the first passenger train arriving in Key West on January 22, 1912.
- Impact: The railway significantly reduced travel time between the mainland and Key West, promoting economic growth, but it was short-lived as:
- Destruction: In 1935, the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 severely damaged the railway, leading to its abandonment as a rail line. The hurricane destroyed much of the track and many of the bridges, making repairs unfeasible.
Aftermath and Legacy
- Conversion to Highway: After the railway was destroyed, parts of the infrastructure were converted into U.S. Route 1 (also known as the Overseas Highway), which still uses some of the original railway bridges today.
- Heritage: The Overseas-Railway is remembered as a symbol of human ingenuity and the determination to conquer natural barriers for economic and social development. Today, remnants of the railway can be seen along the route, serving as historical landmarks.
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