In the 1880s, industrialist Henry Flagler, co-founder of Standard Oil, saw potential in St. Augustine’s faded grandeur. He extended his railroad network south and built ornate hotels—like the Ponce de Leon and Alcazar—ushering in a new era of tourism and architectural renewal
St. Augustine became a winter retreat for America’s elite. Flagler’s projects blended Spanish Renaissance and Moorish styles, catalyzing the “Newport of the South.” Yet the city also remained more than a resort: it continued to honor its layered past even as it looked toward the future
Heritage, Restoration, and Reconciling the Past
Mid-20th-century efforts to preserve St. Augustine’s colonial fabric began in earnest. The 400th anniversary in 1965 sparked restoration projects, safeguarding surviving colonial buildings and reconstructing others in a style that honored the city’s Spanish origins
Lincolnville, meanwhile, faced both neglect and redevelopment. Although threatened by mid-century demolitions, it's now recognized for its historic significance and is protected as a heritage district
Today, St. Augustine preserves dozens of original colonial-era structures and numerous reconstructions, making it unique among U.S. cities for its architectural continuity shutdown123