Archives Day 2024: Divers Working on the Flagler Overseas Railroad

This presentation is a five-minute lightning talk given for Archives Day, 2024. The talk spotlights a 1910 photo showing divers working on building Flagler's overseas railroad from the Mile Markers Collection. Divers in the early 20th century used a standard diving suit often called "heavy gear" and relied on air pumps above the water to provide the necessary air. The talk discussed the safety of these suits and other environmental hazards workers faced at the time. And, most importantly, addressed the question of who the workers were and where they came from to help build "one of the wonders of the world".