#1 The railroad operated until 1935, when the deadliest hurricane in a century swept away miles of tracks. Instead of being rebuilt, Flagler's masterwork was reincarnated to accommodate Americans' newfound love of automobiles. In 1938, the US government set out to construct one of the longest overwater roads in the world by relying on Flagler's seemingly indestructible bridges, which could withstand 200mph winds.
Muchly rebuilt 20-odd years ago, and one of the old bridges was demolished (exploded by a missile) as part of the film "True Lies". |