On August 24, 1901, Henry Flagler married Mary Lily Kenan, and in the ultimate generosity love story, presented Whitehall as a wedding present to Mary Lily in 1902. Designed by John Carrère and Thomas Hastings, architects of the New York Public Library, Whitehall became the Flagler’s winter home. With more than 100,000 square feet and 75 rooms, Whitehall was described in 1902 by the New York Herald as, “…more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world.” The couple used the home as a winter retreat from 1902 until Flagler’s death in 1913, establishing the Palm Beach season for the wealthy of the Gilded Age. Today, Whitehall is a National Historic Landmark open to the public as the Flagler Museum, featuring guided tours, changing exhibits, special programs, and Henry Flagler’s private Railcar No. 91, which has been meticulously restored to its original 1912 appearance. Complete information is available at www.flaglermuseum.us. Erin Manning, Director, Flagler Museum +1 561 655 2833
Whitehall, Palm Beach, Florida
