This fund was established in 1990 in honor of Henry M. Flagler, an American tycoon, real estate promoter, railroad developer, and partner of John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil. Flagler was well known for expanding railroad development across the state of Florida and, after opening the exclusive Royal Palm Hotel in Biscayne Bay in 1897, became known as the Father of Miami, Florida. This fund allows the George A. Smathers Libraries to focus on the future by generating income to be used for the libraries’ greatest needs.