Whitehall: Where Muses of Literature and the Arts Reside

Larger than life: Art that inspires us through the ages

Whitehall’s main façade, facing the rising sun, is defined by six massive Doric columns that were typical of temples of Apollo. The design emulated a temple where the Muses of arts and literature reside. Flagler Museum

In 1883, Henry Morrison Flagler was charmed with his visit to Florida, and he imagined others would also find delight there. With that thought, five years later, he began construction of the first of many hotels in the state. To provide a path for others to enjoy the gifts of Florida, Flagler also established the Florida East Coast Railway leading deep into the state. After a significant over-sea engineering feat, eventually the railway reached all the way to Key West.

Due to his dedicated efforts, Flagler had a significant and lasting effect on establishing Florida as a holiday destination. Twenty years after that fortuitous first visit, he built his winter residence, Whitehall. His new home almost came as a reward, a place to enjoy the Florida he had helped create.