Winston Churchill's 1942 stay in the Pompano area is fairly well known (although a number of myths have revolved around it -- more on that tomorrow).

This, however, was not his first visit to the Sunshine State. In 1895, the 20-year-old Churchill took a five month leave from the British Army to travel to Cuba and report on the rebellion taking place there.

He first visited New York City, and then took the railway south to Florida, a 36 hour trip made more comfortable by the use of a private room on the train. At this time (early November) the tracks did not extend south of West Palm Beach, although it is not clear where Churchill disembarked from the train.

In any case, he made it to Key West and from there to Havana.