Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Camminando | Biscayne Bay, Flagler Memorial

photos and text by Irene Sperber

Flagler Memorial - A 96 ft obelisk located on the 2 acre man-made Monument Island in Biscayne Bay is visible from downtown Miami and the western side of South Beach. Four 18 foot Italian hand carved cast-stone statues cling to each corner of the obelisk representing, pioneering, industry, engineering and prosperity. It was restored in 2009 after years of neglect.

Built in 1921 by the founder of Miami Beach, Carl Fisher; the monument was erected to honor Henry Flagler who built the Florida East Coast Railway, opening up South Florida to support his hotel ventures up and down the coast all the way to Key West.

Late day sun skimming across Biscayne Bay as a storm darkly gathers on the horizon creating a dynamic light

Typical daylight in Biscane Bay

The Memorial with downtown Miami in the background