Edison, Flagler, and Stetson: The Power Trio That Built Florida

When Florida became a state in 1845, it began its transformation from a sparsely populated Spanish frontier to the beautiful, diverse state that we know today. Without the vision and investment of pivotal figures such as Thomas Edison, Henry Flagler, and John B. Stetson, Florida may not have made the metamorphosis from wilderness to the thriving hub of infrastructure and comfortable, modern living that it has become.  

The Architects of Modern Florida

In the early 1800s, living in Florida was considered harsh, with swamps and vast wilderness. The economy was centered on cattle, lumber, and cotton, and the climate and insects made life more difficult. But three individuals could see past the malaria and hardships to what they knew Florida could become. Because of the foresight of these three men, Florida was transformed into a mecca of comfortable living, greater accessibility, and luxury surroundings. While Thomas Edison brought electricity, Henry Flagler provided a rail system, and John B. Stetson created a home and central location for these three titans of industry to plan and collaborate.  

Thomas Edison: Igniting Florida's Potential with Innovation

Thomas Edison, famous for the invention of electricity, was a key player in bringing power and modern living to Florida. He and John Stetson were personal friends who grew up in Orange, New Jersey. This close friendship led Edison to collaborate with Stetson in bringing modern electricity to Florida. The Stetson Mansion in DeLand became one of the first homes in the world to run on Edison electricity. This innovation opened the door for additional installations and modernization of private residences, accelerating Florida's growth. After purchasing property in the Fort Myers area, Edison continued to contribute to Florida's growth by innovating in areas such as founding the Edison Botanic Research Corporation and developing a domestic source of rubber that was crucial during World War I. In addition, he worked to develop citrus hybrids with greater resistance to cold temperatures and pests.

Henry Flagler: Laying the Foundation for Growth and Grandeur

Henry Flagler was the co-founder of the Standard Oil Company, but he saw Florida's growth potential as an opportunity. He invested heavily in the Florida East Coast Railway, which made it viable to develop luxury resorts. When John B. Stetson's mansion was being built, he constructed a private rail spur to directly deliver building materials. With few roads in the area to deliver heavy supplies, an on-site spur boosted efficiency throughout the construction phase.  

Flagler was also given credit for transforming cities along the coastlines, such as Miami and Palm Beach, into premier destinations for wealthy tourists as well as residents. The investments he made in Florida's infrastructure have been a major contributor to the state's population and economic growth.  

John B. Stetson: Investing in Prosperity and Philanthropy

Though Stetson may be best known for creating the iconic cowboy hat, by building his mansion in Deland, he opened the door for other wealthy visionaries to build in the state. Being the first home to use Edison Electric, paved the way for others to reconsider Florida as a luxury destination rather than an untamed wilderness. Known for lavish parties, he entertained many celebrities, including President Cleveland, the King and Queen of England, the Astor family, and the Rockefellers. Some of Stetson's philanthropic gestures included an endowment to the DeLand Academy, which was later renamed Stetson University.  

The Undeniable Foundation of the Power Trio  

Though the state of Florida was not solely built by this power trio of Edison, Flagler, and Stetson, they were primary contributors to its success and current economic stature. Visionaries who saw the future Florida could be rather than what it was helped build the state into what it is today. Because of their vision, connections, wealth, and philanthropy, Florida is a better place thanks to John B. Stetson, Thomas Edison, and Henry Flagler.  Contact us today to learn more about the history of Florida and the Stetson Mansion.