City history
From its roots as a frontier settlement alongside Henry Flagler's railway to its modern status as a vibrant coastal hub, West Palm Beach reflects the rhythmic evolution of Florida's Atlantic coast.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"A descriptive reference to the coastal region"
Reliable documentation of a specific indigenous name for this exact site is unavailable; the area was historically identified by its relation to the Palm Beach region.
The settlement west of Palm Beach
Incorporated to serve as a commercial and residential hub supporting the Florida East Coast Railway.
Chapter two
The implementation of standard time zones across the United States helped synchronize local time for railroad schedules.
Federal legislation that standardized the dates for the observance of daylight saving time throughout the country.
Chapter three
West Palm Beach was officially incorporated, establishing it as a distinct municipality for commerce and growth.
The expansion of Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway solidified the city's importance as a transit hub.
A period of rapid real estate and population growth that reshaped the South Florida landscape.
Major investments in the downtown core helped transform the city into a modern cultural and commercial center.