FEC UNION DEPOT & PARK

The Flagler Union Train Station was built in 1888 and opened on 10 January 1889, a year after the opening of the Ponce de Leon Hotel. It was called the Union Depot because many of the surrounding railway systems used it including the Palatka, North Beach, and Jacksonville lines; Flagler would come to purchase all of these lines as his empire expanded. The train station was crucial to the success of Henry Flagler because it allowed easy access to his resort town of St. Augstine. It has been reported that Flagler kept an alligator in the park fountain to introduce his guests to the wilderness that attracted visitors to Florida. A similar fountain is located near the Ponce, the Post Office Park Fountain, as well as behind the Alcazar Hotel.​​

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The Union Depot Park is all that remains today as the Fire Station has been built where the Depot once stood.

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Text by Erik Hendricksen