After the Civil War, modern industry and travel came to Florida with the arrival of the railroads. Modern, heavy machines that could transport passengers and freight quickly and efficiently, the railroad changes the face of the nation.

In St. Augustine, Henry Flagler dreamed of creating a winter resort for the wealthy. In January of 1888, Flagler's grand Ponce de Leon Hotel opened for the first season, and its sister hotel across the street was well underway. These buildings stand today as grounds of Flagler College and the Lightner Museum.

With the purchase of the Casa Monica to the east, renamed the Cordova, Flagler's grand hotels and the business that they brought with them changed the ambiance of the little Spanish town forever.

The period leaading up to World War II saw tremendous growth in St. Augustine, the certerpiece of which is the Bridge of Lions, built in 1927 just across the bay from the Castillo.