FOL Presents: Steel Rails to the Sunshine State

In this dynamic lecture, journey back to the Gilded Age and discover how Henry Flagler, co-founder of Standard Oil, transformed Florida’s coasts with his bold vision. His Florida East Coast Railway did not just build tracks—it built cities, from Palm Beach to Miami and all the way to Key West. You will hear how Flagler’s crews overcame hurricanes, swamps, and engineering challenges to connect the Sunshine State. Learn how alliances with figures like Julia Tuttle helped turn Miami into a booming city. Flagler’s grand hotels and infrastructure helped shape Florida into a winter retreat and global destination.

Christopher Daley has been speaking all over New England for the past 30 years and virtually via Zoom throughout the United States for the past several years on historical topics of interest; at libraries, historical societies, schools and all sorts of clubs and organizations! He has recently moved to Florida!

He holds a B.A. and an M.A. from Bridgewater State University in Political Science and History. He was formerly the President of the Pembroke Historical Society and Chairman of the Pembroke Historical Commission. He was also a docent at the John Alden House Historic Site as well as Coordinator of Educational Outreach. Additionally, in 2023, Chris retired from his position as history teacher in the Silver Lake Regional School System in Kingston, Massachusetts after teaching for 25 years.

Chris has written several articles on varied historical topics for local publications and has written his first book entitled “Murder and Mayhem in Boston: Historic Crimes in the Hub.” Chris has also served as historical consultant on the Sacco-Vanzetti Case for the Travel Channel’s program “Time Traveling with Brian Unger.” He also appeared in two episodes of the Travel Channel’s “Kindred Spirits” in the capacity of historian on shows about the Lizzie Borden Case.

Chris’ wife Cathy is his fellow researcher and travels along as DaleyHistory’s Professional Photographer. Christopher and his wife reside Citrus Springs Florida.