Historic Tours of Flagler College

Discover the Historic Flagler College in St. Augustine

Flagler College not only has a rich heritage in education but also in historical architecture which extends back over a century. It is named for Henry Morrison Flagler, an industrialist, railroad pioneer, and entrepreneur who partnered with John D. Rockefeller as founders of Standard Oil Company.

The Story Behind the Ponce de León Hotel

Flagler built the Hotel Ponce de León in 1888, his first in a series of luxury resorts along Florida’s east coast as part of his plan to create the American Riviera. The building is a prime example of Spanish Renaissance architecture and the first major poured-in-place concrete building in the United States and is now known as Ponce de Leon Hall. A National Historic Landmark, it is now the showpiece for Flagler College.

Architecture and Design: A Masterpiece by Carrere and Hastings

John Carrere and Thomas Hastings had just graduated college when they designed the hotel and went on to design other notable buildings - the New York Public Library, the House and Senate Office Buildings next to the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Early Innovation: The First Electrified Building

The Edison Electric Company provided power for the building through steam heat, making the Ponce one of the country's first electrified buildings. Louis Comfort Tiffany is credited with the building's interior design, including the gorgeous stained glass and mosaics. The beautiful murals in the building were done by George Willoughby Maynard and Virgilio Tojetti.

A Lasting Legacy of Excellence at Flagler College

As the Hotel Ponce de Leon, it was state-of-the-art for its time and stands as a reminder of the age and man for whom it is named - diligence and commitment to high standards. Flagler College continues this high standard through the preservation of this and other historic buildings as well as providing a rich educational experience.

Take a Tour of Flagler College

To fully appreciate the beauty and history of Flagler College, consider taking one of the guided Flagler College Legacy Tours. These tours offer a deeper dive into the architectural grandeur of the former Hotel Ponce de León and the fascinating history behind the building. Tours are available daily at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and last approximately 60 minutes. Tickets are priced at $17.00 per person. Tours begin in the main lobby rotunda of the college at 74 King Street in St. Augustine. Please note that due to renovations, the Flagler Room is temporarily closed through August 2025, but there’s still plenty to explore! For more details or to book a tour, visit the Flagler College website or call (904) 823-3378.

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