Date

5-20-2026

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in History (PhD)

Chair

Seth Bartee

Keywords

Edward R. Bradley, Palm Beach, casino, Kentucky Derby, E.R. Bradley, Beach Club, Bacchus Club, Henry Flagler, Huey Long, gambling, betting, Idle Hour, John Condon, Del Prado, El Paso, John Bradley, Agnes Bradley

Disciplines

History | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

Edward R. Bradley was a towering cultural icon of the early twentieth century. He is best known as the owner and breeder of four Kentucky Derby winning horses and as the owner and operator of the longest-running illegal casino in American history. However, Bradley's story has rarely been told, due to both his characteristic humility and the dubious nature of his profession. Bradley worked, lived, and invested in nearly every pivotal American region during the Progressive Era, plying his trade as a highly successful gambler, speculator, and horse breeder. Though his accomplishments were immense, his demeanor remained dignified, plainspoken, and restrained. He maintained decorum and grace in the midst of heated legal challenges to his gambling enterprises, and his generosity provided funds for churches, hospitals, orphans, and thousands of individuals and communities. Bradley's impact on American societies and his legacy are explored in this research.

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