West Palm Beach: 1893 to 1950 (Images of America) - Softcover

West Palm Beach was established in 1894, two decades after pioneers first arrived in the wilderness at Lake Worth. In 1893, Henry M. Flagler, Standard Oil magnate and Florida railroad mogul, finalized plans to extend his Florida East Coast Railroad south in order to turn Palm Beach into a winter playground for the rich. He designed West Palm Beach as the mainland commercial and residential support for his new resort. From its humble beginnings, it has become Palm Beach County's largest city and the seat of government. The city has suffered fires, hurricanes, boom times, and hard times, always emerging triumphantly. This installment of West Palm Beach's fascinating story shares its unique settlement and growth through the end of World War II.

Authors Lynn Lasseter Drake and Richard A. Marconi both have strong ties to Palm Beach County. Drake is a historical researcher and genealogist specializing in southeast Florida pioneer history. She is also the author of Images of America: Jupiter. Marconi has been with the historical society since 1999, first as an intern and volunteer and now on staff as the education coordinator. Drake and Marconi have searched the society's nearly two million photographic images to bring life to the early history of West Palm Beach.