Henry Morrison Flagler was an American industrialist and a key figure in the development of the Florida east coast. Born in 1830, he co-founded the Standard Oil Company with John D. Rockefeller, which became one of the largest oil companies in the world. Flagler's wealth allowed him to invest in the expansion of railroads and hotels in Florida, significantly boosting tourism and the state's economy. Flagler is best known for his role in building the Florida East Coast Railway, which connected Jacksonville to Key West. He also established several luxurious hotels, including the Ponce de Leon Hotel in St. Augustine and the Royal Poinciana Hotel in Palm Beach. His contributions helped transform Florida into a popular destination for visitors.