Palm Beach was home to the Jeaga, later the Seminole, and early 1800s African American communities of both freed and formerly enslaved people.

The first permanent white settlers arrive on the island.

The Providencia shipwrecks off the coast of Palm Beach, carrying 20,000 coconuts. Early settlers plant them, creating the island's signature palm trees.

Elisha Newton "Cap" Dimick establishes the Cocoanut Grove House, Palm Beach's first hotel, located on what becomes Cocoanut Row.

The first school in southeastern Florida is built in Palm Beach, reflecting the growth of the early settlement.

Land development increases as northern investors begin purchasing property for winter homes.

The Palm Beach Yacht Club is founded. In 1917 it relocates across the Intracoastal to 800 N Flagler Dr in West Palm Beach, where it remains today.

Henry Flagler visits Palm Beach and begins developing it into a winter resort for the wealthy.

Flagler completes the Royal Poinciana Hotel, the largest wooden structure in the world at the time, and his Florida East Coast Railway reaches Palm Beach.

The first of two back-to-back Unnamed Hurricane's hits southeast Florida, disrupting early Flagler developments.

The second of two back-to-back Unnamed Hurricane's hits southeast Florida, disrupting early Flagler developments.

Flagler opens the Palm Beach Inn, later becoming The Breakers.

The Cedar Keys Hurricane (Cat 3) crosses Miami and heads northward, impacting Palm Beach with significant wind and rain.

The Palm Beach Daily News (The Shiny Sheet) was founded. Known for its society coverage, real estate reporting, and polished print quality, hence the nickname.

Founded by Colonel Edward R. Bradley, this social club became known for its fine cuisine, dignified atmosphere, and gambling activities.

The Palm Beach Inn is officially renamed The Breakers due to guests calling it "where the breakers crash."

Whitehall, Flagler's mansion, now the Flagler Museum, is completed.

The Unnamed Hurricane crosses near Palm Beach with damaging winds and storm surge.

The Breakers is rebuilt in wood after a major fire. It reopens grander than before to elite clientele.

The Great Florida Hurricane brought widespread flooding and agricultural damage to the region.

Cap Dimick is elected as the first Mayor of Palm Beach. Palm Beach incorporates as a town to prevent annexation by West Palm Beach.

The Royal Park Bridge opens, improving access and commerce between the island and mainland.

Originally a sandy path, Worth Avenue officially became a street around 1913. Named after General William Jenkins Worth, a hero of the Second Seminole War.

The Sailfish Club of Florida is founded known for its regattas, fishing tournaments, and refined seaside atmosphere.

Addison Mizner arrives and begins designing opulent homes for wealthy clients, introducing the Mediterranean Revival style that defines the island’s architectural identity.

Marjorie Merriweather Post begins purchasing land for her future estate, Mar-a-Lago.

The Everglades Club, a private club with elite social influence, is founded on Worth Avenue.

The Florida Keys Hurricane brushes Palm Beach, causing beach erosion and some property damage.

The Breakers is devastated by fire in March 1925, prompting immediate reconstruction.

The Bath & Tennis Club (B&T) is founded known for its strict membership policies and storied guest list symbolizing the upper echelon of Palm Beach society.

The Breakers reopens in December 1926 with 550 rooms and vast ballrooms. Rebuilt in fireproof concrete and modeled after Villa Medici.

The Great Miami Hurricane (Cat 4), one of the most devastating at the time, causing massive damage across South Florida, including Palm Beach.

Mar-a-Lago is completed by Post, intended as a retreat for presidents.

The Lake Okeechobee Hurricane (San Felipe II / Cat 4) caused catastrophic flooding and thousands of deaths around Lake Okeechobee.

The Garden Club of Palm Beach sponsors "The Plan of Palm Beach" to guide development. The Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce is formed.

As Mizner's Memorial Fountain is completed the Great Depression begins affecting real estate and tourism.

The Cuba-Bahamas Hurricane (Cat 3) impacted South Florida with tropical-force winds and minor damage.

The Florida-Mexico Hurricane hits south Florida; Palm Beach experiences tropical storm-force winds and damage to coastal areas.

The Labor Day Hurricane (Cat 5) was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the US at the time, causing high winds and swells in Palm Beach.

The Yankee Hurricane struck near Miami Beach in a rare late-season event.

The Society of the Four Arts is founded.

The original Flagler Memorial Bridge opens, linking West Palm Beach to the island.

The Beach Club opens, known for its private beach access, poolside dining, and low-key elegance.

The Breakers is used by the US Army as a temporary military hospital during World War II.

The Palm Beach Civic Association is founded to preserve the town’s character and advocate for residents’ interests.

The Fort Lauderdale Hurricane (Cat 4) brought flooding and wind damage throughout Palm Beach County.

Palm Beach International Airport is opened and Palm Beach's first zoning code is passed.

The Unnamed Hurricane (Cat 4) strikes Palm Beach directly, causing severe wind damage and flooding.

The Southern Boulevard Bridge opens, enhancing southern access to Palm Beach Island.

Hurricane Easy is one of the first storms to receive an official name under the new phonetic alphabet system. It brought rain and breezy conditions to Palm Beach.

Post-war prosperity returns; seasonal population and luxury construction surge again.

The Palm Beach Country Club is founded by a group of Jewish residents when many local clubs were exclusionary. It has since become one of the island’s most discreet private clubs.

The Royal Poinciana Plaza, designed by John Volk, opens.

The Royal Park Bridge is replaced adding two lanes along the south side of the bridge and two drawbridges, at a cost of around $1.5 million.

Hurricane Donna (Cat 4) sweeps across Florida, delivering destructive winds and widespread damage throughout Palm Beach County.

The opening of the Palm Beach Zoo.

Earl E.T. Smith, the last US Ambassador to Cuba, is elected Mayor of Palm Beach.

The Breakers is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized for its historic and architectural significance.

Hurricane Eloise (Cat 3) made landfall in the Panhandle and brought heavy rain and coastal erosion to Palm Beach County.

The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach is established to protect the island’s historic architecture, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Club Colette opens, offering an exclusive, supper-club style dining experience in the heart of Palm Beach. Known for its elegant, old-world ambiance and discretion.

Donald Trump purchases Mar-a-Lago from Post Foundation and begins renovation.

The Breakers Ocean Club is established, offering exclusive beach, golf, and social memberships as part of The Breakers resort.

The Breakers begins over $250 million in renovations to maintain its status as a top luxury resort.

Hurricane Andrew (Cat 5) devastated Miami. It brought strong winds, power outages, and minor structural damage to parts of Palm Beach County.

The opening of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Mar-a-Lago becomes a private club, changing the social scene and drawing national attention.

The opening of the Norton Museum of Art.

The Palm Beach County Convention Center opens in downtown West Palm Beach, becoming a major venue for events and cultural activities.

Hurricane Frances (Cat 2) made landfall near Martin County, bringing prolonged winds, flooding, and widespread power outages throughout Palm Beach County.

Hurricane Jeanne (Cat 3) struck just weeks after Frances, following a similar path, compounding wind damage, flooding, and power loss across Palm Beach County.

The new Royal Park Bridge opens, featuring a state-of-the-art bascule design, wider pedestrian walkways, and improved traffic flow.

Hurricane Wilma (Cat 3) swept South Florida, knocking out power, damaging roofs and trees, and causing major disruptions throughout Palm Beach County.

Bernie Madoff scandal hits. Many Palm Beach residents, including club members and elite families, are financially devastated.

The Royal Poinciana Plaza begins major revitalization under WS Development, blending historic architecture with modern luxury retail and dining.

Hurricane Isaac's (Tropical Storm) outer bands brought over 15 inches of rain to Palm Beach County, causing significant flooding and road closures.

Trump is elected the 45th President of the United States, using Mar-a-Lago as a “Winter White House.”

A new Flagler Memorial Bridge opens with four-lanes, wider sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and improved utility infrastructure, costing approximately $108 million.

Hurricane Irma (Cat 4) brought strong winds, power outages, and widespread debris to Palm Beach County.

Hurricane Dorian (Cat 5) stayed offshore but brought high surf, evacuations, and anxiety to Palm Beach County while devastating the nearby Bahamas.

The opening of the Brightline high-speed rail station.

The Carriage House opens, a modern private club designed for a new generation of Palm Beach society, it blends contemporary luxury with traditional exclusivity.

A new Southern Boulevard Bridge opens with higher clearance, wider sidewalks, and improved safety features, costing approximately $97 million.

Hurricane Milton (Cat 5) made landfall on the Gulf Coast. Milton’s outer bands brought tornadoes, rain, and wind gusts to parts of Palm Beach County.

Trump is elected President of the United States for a second non-consecutive term while maintaining his residence at Mar-a-Lago.

Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the US.