Lincolnville in St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

American Opulence

— Flagler College —

Photographed by Stephen Thomas White, July 30, 2026

1. American Opulence Marker

Inscription. The Hotel Ponce de Leon opened in 1888, in the midst of America's "Gilded Age."

Newly minted millionaires and industrial titans came by the trainload to soak up the sun and bask in the extravagance of Henry Flagler's magnificent masterpiece. Whether touring the nation's oldest city by carriage or simply lounging in the hotel's manicured courtyard, America's elites found a winter home here at the Ponce.

The Ponce de Leon operated as a hotel for nearly 80 years, finally closing its doors to vacationers in 1967. But this historic landmark and architectural jewel remains an icon of American opulence and luxury to this day.

(caption) Guests at the Hotel Ponce de Leon enjoy some rest and relaxation in the courtyard around the turn of the 20th century. New York Public Library

Erected by Flagler College.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.

Location. 29° 53.549′ N, 81° 18.895′ W. Marker is in St. Augustine, Florida, in St. Johns County. It is in Lincolnville. It can be reached from the intersection

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of King Street (Business U.S. 1) and Granada Street, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located within the main entrance to the college. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 74 King St, Saint Augustine FL 32084, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in First Coast

and in Greater Jacksonville.

It is also in the American South

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 walking distance of this marker: The Fountain (a few steps from this marker); Henry Flagler (within shouting distance of this marker); Ponce de Leon Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry M. Flagler (within shouting distance of this marker); Villa Zorayda (within shouting distance of this marker); Alcazar Hotel / City Hall

Photographed by Stephen Thomas White, July 30, 2026

2. American Opulence Marker

(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Villa Zorayda (about 300 feet away); Rosario Redoubt (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Augustine.

Also see . . .
1. Explore St. Augustine’s Gilded Age: A Historic Trail of opulence and Architecture. (Submitted on September 14, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia.)
2. Flagler College/Nationally Ranked College. (Submitted on September 14, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia.)
3. Our History. (Submitted on September 14, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 14, 2026, by Stephen Thomas White of Norfolk, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.