Jock Ochiltree has been selling St. Augustine real estate at Davidson Realty for over three years now. Jock loves learning about the history of St. Augustine, so needless to say he really enjoys the presentations given for St. Augustine’s 450th anniversary celebration. A week or two ago he attended “Flagler’s Age of Opulence,” which shared Henry’s Flagler’s impact on St. Augustine real estate. Although Jock’s highlights were many, here are my favorite five tidbits of knowledge he shared!

1. Flagler first came to St. Augustine in 1878 (to improve his first wife’s health) and he hated it! He called it a “pest hole full of sick people.” They left immediately.

2. When Flagler eventually returned he built the Hotel Alcazar (pictured above), which has an underground pool that is fed by a 78 degree spring. Other Florida springs are only 72 degree.

3. The facade of the Hotel Alcazar – now the Lightner Museum – was never completed.

4. Flagler built the overseas railroad to Key West, which was the largest privately funded construction project in U.S. history.

5. Flagler didn’t make any money on developing Florida. He said he did it to give back to the community!

If you are interested in attending upcoming events for St. Augustine’s 450th anniversary, just ask Jock Ochiltree!