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Politics & World • Landmark

Mar-a-Lago

Mar-a-Lago is a resort, private club, and National Historic Landmark in Palm Beach, Florida, United States.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mar-a-Lago is a resort, private club, and National Historic Landmark in Palm Beach, Florida, United States. It was built in the 1920s for Marjorie Merriweather Post and has been owned by Donald Trump since 1985.

History

Mar-a-Lago was built from 1924 to 1927 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, who intended it as a winter residence. The property later became a club and has remained closely associated with Donald Trump since he bought it in 1985.

Architecture and site

The estate is a large waterfront property on a barrier island in Palm Beach, with the house and grounds facing both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Sources describe it as a resort-style estate and private club.

Historic designation

Mar-a-Lago was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1980 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These designations reflect its architectural and historical significance.

Political significance

Mar-a-Lago has been used for political meetings, fundraising, and unofficial presidential activity, especially during and after Trump's first term. It also drew national attention during the 2022 FBI search related to classified documents.

Key facts

  • Mar-a-Lago is a resort, private club, and National Historic Landmark in Palm Beach, Florida.
  • It was built in the 1920s for heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post.
  • Donald Trump has owned the property since 1985.
  • It became widely known as the “Winter White House” during Trump's presidency.
  • The estate has no direct Canadian connection but is a significant venue in U.S. politics.
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Canadian context

Mar-a-Lago has no direct Canadian connection, but it is a significant venue in U.S. politics and diplomacy that Canadian readers may encounter in news coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mar-a-Lago?
Mar-a-Lago is a resort, private club, and National Historic Landmark in Palm Beach, Florida.
Who originally built Mar-a-Lago?
It was built for Marjorie Merriweather Post in the 1920s.
Who owns Mar-a-Lago now?
Donald Trump has owned Mar-a-Lago since 1985.
When was Mar-a-Lago designated a National Historic Landmark?
It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1980.
Why is Mar-a-Lago politically significant?
It became associated with Trump's political activity and was widely described as the “Winter White House” during his presidency.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar-a-Lago
    Supports: Location, type, and general description as resort and National Historic Landmark.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mar-a-Lago
    Supports: Ownership by Donald Trump, origin as Marjorie Merriweather Post's estate, and political significance.
  3. The Mar-a-Lago Club — https://www.maralagoclub.com/history
    Supports: Construction dates, landmark history, and conversion to club.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/09/us/mar-a-lago-florida.html
    Supports: Location, name meaning, ownership, and role during Trump's presidency.