Golf in the Gilded Age: Robber Barons, Railroads, and Resort Hotels 5: Railroads and Resorts A. Growth of Railroads 1850-1890 B. Vanderbilt's New York Central Railroad C. Long Island: Hamptons and the LIRR D. The Union Pacific Durants and the Adirondacks E. Upper Hudson Valley Saratoga Springs F. Pennsylvania Railroad G. Lehigh Valley RR & Lackawana in the Catskills H. Newport Rhode Island I. The Berkshires -- Lennox, "The Newport of the Mountains" J. Central Pacific Railroad - San Francisco K. Union Pacific Railroad - Midwest and Rockies L. Southern Pacific Railroad - Monterey and San Diego M. Northern Pacific Railroad N. Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad O. Illinois Central Railroad P. Flagler's Florida East Coast Railroad Q. Atlantic Coast Line Railroad R. Southern Railroad S. Seaboard Airline Railroad
1. Birth of Golf in America 2. Gilded Age 3. Robber Barons 4. Tycoons and Patronage 5. Railroads & Resorts 6. Early Grand Hotels 7. Carolinas 8. Georgia 9. Jacksonville 10. St Augustine 11. St Aug. (pt 2) 12. Ormond Beach 13. Palm Beach 14. Boca Raton 15. Miami 16. Miami Beach 17. Coral Gables 18. Tampa / St Pete 19. Later Resort Golf 20. Gilded Age Legacy

American golf had its birth in the Gilded Age (1870s-1890s), and by the close of the 19th century the United States had more golf courses than Britain. This start is inextricably intertwined with the dominant Tycoons of the day, and this in turn entangles the foundation of golf in America with the expansion of their railroads and their associated Grand Hotels in exclusive resort locations.

From 1900 to the advent of WWII, golf in America added sinew and muscle on this underlying frame to make the Resort golf experience truly spectacular and widely accessible outside the echelons of elite society. The enduring legacy has been that the popularization of golf in America is indelibly stamped with the watermark of excellence set by these fabulous early Resorts.

RAILROADS AND RESORTS

Q. Atlantic Coast Line Railroad

R. Southern Railroad

Pullman Palace Car 1933 - Norfolk South RR

Pullman Car 1934 - Norfolk South RR

Pullman Lounge Car 1935 - Norfolk South RR

Pullman Club Car - Norfolk South RR

Pullman Club Car 1932 - Norfolk South RR

Pullman Dining Car 1934 - Norfolk South RR

S. Seaboard Airline Railroad

Del Ray Beach FL SAL Station

Sun Lounge, SAL Silver Meteor

SAL Sun Lounge 1967