Downtown St. Augustine is home to Flagler College, ranked for more than a decade by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges.
Now, why do I have it listed as a historic site? Because of the building it is housed in, the former Hotel Ponce de Leon which was built by Henry Flagler in the late 1800’s.
No expense was spared; Tiffany windows, mosaics, ornate murals and Spanish renaissance architecture all contributed to this grand hotel becoming a playground of the rich and famous.
Thomas Edison personally assisted with the wiring to make this hotel the first building in Florida with electricity. Architects, John Carrere and Thomas Hastings, launched their very successful careers at the Hotel Ponce de Leon.
Tours, led by students, begin in the courtyard everyday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults – $6.00
Children under 12 – $1.00
Flagler College
74 King St.
St. Augustine FL 32084
(904) 819-6481
Flagler’s Legacy (Purchase tickets)
59 St. George St.
St. Augustine FL 32084
(904) 823-3378