Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Southern Terminus of Overseas Railway

Photographed by James Hulse, January 10, 2026

1. Southern Terminus of Overseas Railway Marker

Inscription. Here, on January 22, 1912, the "Flagler Special," the first passenger train ever to arrive in Key West, came to a halt and Henry M. Flagler, Florida's empire builder, was tumultuously welcomed by the largest outpouring of citizens in the city's history. The train's arrival marked the completion of one of the world's most remarkable railroads. For twenty-three years from 1912 to 1935 - passenger trains were operated on daily schedules between Key West and New York and car ferries were operated between Key West and Havana. In 1938 the railroad was converted to the Overseas Highway.

Erected 1962 by the Historical Association of Southern Florida.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is January 22, 1912.

Location. 24° 34.295′ N, 81° 45.201′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is on North Roosevelt Boulevard (U.S. 1) north of Jimmy Buffett Mem Hwy, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3841 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West FL 33040, United States

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of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Meacham Field (approx. 1.3 miles away); Fort East Martello (approx. 1.4 miles away); Blue Freedom (approx. 1.8 miles away); Nyad (approx. 1.9 miles away); Salt Production (approx. 1.9 miles away); The Martinez Havana Company Factory (approx. 2 miles away); Indian Block (approx. 2 miles away); José Martí Monument (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Also see . . . Overseas Railroad. Wikipedia

The Overseas Railroad (also known as Florida Overseas Railroad, the Overseas Extension, and Flagler's Folly) was an extension
Photographed by James Hulse, January 10, 2026

2. Southern Terminus of Overseas Railway Marker
The view of the marker along the street.
of the Florida East Coast Railway to Key West, a city located 128 miles (206 km) beyond the end of the Florida peninsula. Work on the line started in 1905 and it operated from 1912 to 1935, when it was partially destroyed by the Labor Day Hurricane. Some of the remaining infrastructure was used for the Overseas Highway.

(Submitted on February 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 32 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.