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West Palm Beach, Florida

The largest city in Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach was founded by Henry Flagler in 1894 as a service town for his Palm Beach resort across the Intracoastal Waterway. Today it's a vibrant cultural hub with the Norton Museum of Art, Kravis Center, and a revitalized downtown along Clematis Street.

Founded 1894 | Population 123,055 | Peak 123,055 (2024) | County Palm Beach County

Top 10 Most Important Events for West Palm Beach, Florida

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1894Flagler Founds City: Henry Flagler established West Palm Beach as a community for workers building his Royal Poinciana Hotel in Palm Beach.

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1928Okeechobee Hurricane: The devastating 1928 hurricane killed over 2,500 people around Lake Okeechobee, impacting the entire region.

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1940WWII Training: Morrison Field became a major Army Air Corps base, later becoming Palm Beach International Airport.

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2000Election Recount: Palm Beach County's "butterfly ballot" controversy played a central role in the Bush v. Gore presidential election recount.

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2016Downtown Revival: West Palm Beach's Clematis Street and waterfront underwent major revitalization, attracting new restaurants, businesses, and residents.

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