National Register Listing

Gulf Stream Hotel

1 Lake Ave., Lake Worth, FL
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce architecture inns, hotels, motels
The Everglades, one of Florida's most iconic natural landmarks, was not always a protected area. In fact, it was once considered a worthless swamp and was drained and developed for agricultural purposes in the early 20th century.
Florida random facts
Palm Beach County, located in the southeastern part of Florida, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes like the Jaega and Seminole people, who relied on fishing and hunting for sustenance. European contact began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived in the region.

In the late 19th century, Palm Beach County experienced a major transformation with the arrival of Henry Morrison Flagler. Flagler, an American industrialist and real estate developer, extended his Florida East Coast Railway to the area and constructed luxury hotels, including the iconic Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. This led to an influx of wealthy tourists and laid the foundation for the development of many coastal towns and cities in the county.

During the early 20th century, Palm Beach County saw significant agricultural growth, particularly in citrus farming. The favorable climate and fertile soil made it an ideal location for cultivating citrus fruits, and the county became known as a major citrus producer. The industry flourished until the devastating freezes of the 1980s, which severely impacted the local citrus economy.

In recent decades, Palm Beach County has evolved into a thriving metropolitan area. It has become a popular destination for retirees, professionals, and tourists alike, drawn by its beautiful beaches, vibrant arts and culture scene, and year-round sunny weather. The county is also home to numerous golf courses, shopping centers, and upscale residential communities, making it an attractive place to live and visit. Today, Palm Beach County continues to grow and diversify, combining its rich history with modern development.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Palm Beach County, Florida.

  • 1873: Palm Beach County was established on April 30 as part of Dade County.
  • 1909: West Palm Beach was incorporated as a city on November 4.
  • 1911: Palm Beach County was separated from Dade County on April 30, becoming the 47th county in Florida.
  • 1920: Palm Beach County was hit by the Great Miami Hurricane in September.
  • 1928: The 1928 Okeechobee hurricane devastated the region, causing widespread flooding and loss of life.
  • 1959: The first major bridge connecting Palm Beach Island to West Palm Beach was completed.
  • 1966: The Palm Beach International Airport opened in July, providing improved air transport for the county.
  • 1985: The Scripps Research Institute established its headquarters in Palm Beach County.
  • 2008: The Great Recession affected the county, resulting in a decline in real estate values and economic activity.