Daytona Beach

The Story: Part 2

The late 19^th and early 20^th century were the years that put Daytona Beach on the map.Daytona Beach had a slow start in its early years from 1870's to around the 1890's.

Growth and progress was the name of the game after the railroad rolled into town in the early 1890's.Individuals like Henry Flagler, Ransom Olds and Charles Burgoyne came to town. Legend has it that Henry Flagler offered the city fathers a substantial amount for CityIsland. His goal was to build another great Resort, but he was turned down.

The history of racing began during this time, as well.Races on the beach began in 1903 with the Vanderbilt Cup.Once the races on the beaches began, the shores were full of bystanders watching Alexander Wintons' Bullet compete against Ransom Olds, Pirate.

Notable beachside homes were also built during this time. The Lillian place and the Wilder home on Ocean Dunes were the first homes on the Peninsula.Downtown had its early growth during these years with buildings popping up along Beach St. to sell goods to all the new locals moving or visiting here from up north.

We also see another great downtown benefactor move in during these years, a man by the name of Charles Grover Burgoyne.A famous industrialist from New York, Charles Burgoyne made his money in paper.He retired here to Daytona Beach and made his 5 acre mansion estate on the north side of what is today International Speedway and Beach Street.He was known for putting on lavish street festivals and since he had no children of his own considered all the children of the city his.His generous donations contributed to two important civic amenities, RiverfrontPark and the Burgoyne Casino, which burnt down in the mid 1930's.