The Overseas Railroad was the Florida East Coast Railway's extension through the Florida Keys that operated from 1912 to 1935. The current U.S. Route 1 that runs from Homestead through the Florida Keys was built over the railroad's original concrete viaducts and steel trestles.
Henry Flagler, a wealthy businessman who created the Standard Oil Company in 1870 with John Rockefeller, had a dream to connect mainland Florida with the isolated port of Key West. He envisioned that the shipping industry in Key West would grow tremendously with the opening of the Panama Canal. The existing Florida East Coast Railway only went as far south as Homestead in 1904, and the Overseas Railroad extension to the Lower Keys began in 1905. Many thought that this construction would be impossible due to incredibly tough conditions over 128 miles of water and rocky islands. In addition, materials for the railroad had to be brought from various parts in the world including various cement products from Belgium and Germany. However, the construction proceeded as planned despite the setbacks.
The first Overseas Railroad segment was completed in 1908 and led from Homestead to Marathon. As a result, Marathon became a hugely popular shipping port where ships unloaded cargo and loaded it onto train cars to be brought north. The next segment between Marathon and Bahia Honda was particularly challenging as there was nothing but seven miles of water between these islands. In addition, major hurricanes in 1909 and 1910 created significant delays in the construction process. However, the Overseas Railroad was eventually completed in 1912 running from Homestead to Key West. The entire segment ran for 128 miles and crossed over 42 segments of open water. Although he died in 1913, Henry Flagler was healthy enough in 1912 to ride this segment and enjoy the fulfillment of his dream project.
During the time of its operation, the Overseas Railroad was known as the Key West Extension. The railroad had a huge impact on trade between the island and the Caribbean. In addition, the Tavernier stop in Key Largo became a major trading location for the northern section of the Florida Keys. These increases in trade led to a boom in real estate and eventually started the huge tourism economy which continues to this day in Key West. The Florida East Coast Railroad company actually opened the Casa Marina on New Year's Eve on 1920, which was the first official tourist hotel in Key West. The resort was originally intended as a retreat for wealthy customers of the Overseas Railroad, and the property currently operates as the luxurious Casa Marina Waldorf Astoria Resort.
Monroe County allocated funds to build a road parallel to the Overseas Railroad in 1923. The sections of road were built in the Upper Keys between Key Largo and Upper Matecumbe, and in the Lower Keys between the southern end and No Name Key. A car ferry service was used to provide transportation between these two roadway sections. The road actually turned out to be a disappointment because it was bumpy, dusty and loaded with mosquitoes. In addition, it took a full day just to get from Key Largo all the way down to the southernmost point. Furthermore, the Great Depression caused a huge reduction in Key West's trade industry which nearly ruined the town. The town's population decreased by nearly 50 percent and the majority of the town's residents had to rely on help from the government. The Federal Emergency Relief Administration finally provided assistance by promoting the town as a tourist destination. As a result, bridges were built to connect the two roadway sections to eliminate the need of the car ferry service.
On Labor Day of 1935, a devastating hurricane destroyed a huge portion of the Overseas Railroad along the Upper and Middle Keys. By this time, the railroad had become mismanaged and the amount of freight had significantly been reduced. It had also become cheaper to haul freight by truck, so it was decided that the Overseas Railroad would not be rebuilt. As a result, Monroe County bought the right of way to the Overseas Railroad and converted it to a highway that opened in 1938.
The Overseas Railroad was the initial step in creating the tourism industry in the Florida Keys that we enjoy today. While traveling on U.S. Route 1, drivers can imagine the days of railroad locomotives covering the same infrastructure. Over the years, modern bridges have replaced some of the older railroad bridges, many of which still stand and can be seen along the highway.