Last train to paradise : Henry Flagler and the spectacular rise and fall of the railroad that crossed an ocean / Les Standiford.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Standiford, Les.

Contributor:

Flagler, Henry Morrison, 1830-1913.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Florida East Coast Railway.

Railroads--Florida--History.

Railroads.

Flagler, Henry Morrison, 1830-1913.

Flagler, Henry Morrison.

Florida East Coast Railway--History.

History.

Florida.

Physical Description:

x, 272 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Crown Publishers, [2002]

Summary:

In the tradition of "Isaac's Storm" and "Nothing Like It in the World, Last Train to Paradise" chronicles the remarkable story of the construction and fateful demise of the Key West Extension--a project even more challenging than the Panama Canal--led by wildly ambitious entrepreneur Henry Flagler. 8-page photo insert.

Contents:

Map of the Key West Extension xi

1. End of the Line 1

2. The Road to Paradise 17

3. Citizen Flagler 35

4. Paradise Found 45

5. Empire Building 53

6. The City That Flagler Built 63

7. The Stage Is Set 69

8. The Eighth Wonder of the World 77

9. Charting the Territories 85

10. Jumping-Off Point 93

11. A Surprise, the First of Many 113

12. Nature's Fury 117

13. Duly Noted 129

14. On Toward Key West 137

15. The Signature Bridge 143

16. Seven Miles of Hell 153

17. Learning Curve 169

18. Railroad Builder Overboard 179

19. Deep Bay 191

20. Wonder to Behold 201

21. Failed 207

22. Rolling On 215

23. Storm of Storms 225

24. A Fine, Improper Place 255.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [262]-264) and index.

ISBN:

0609607480

OCLC:

47930616