In the late 1800’s settlement started along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and inland in what would eventually become West Palm Beach. The well to do from the north, including oil and railroad magnate Henry Flagler, started construction of opulent mansions and hotels with workers brought in living along the shores of Lake Worth. Very soon the number of workers grew large and with it, a small community was born. The living quarters were at first make shift wood and canvas structures but necessity saw the rise of buildings to take care of the needs of the community.