 In 1890, the United States Census counted over 200 people settled along Lake Worth in the vicinity of what would become West Palm Beach.The area at this time also boasted a hotel, the "Cocoanut House", a church, and a post office.Henry Flagler, who was instrumental to Palm Beach County's development in the late 19th century and early 20th century, first visited in 1892, describing the area as a "veritable paradise".