Fort Myers history

Foundation and Military Roots

The history of Fort Myers dates back to the mid-19th century and is closely tied to the military actions of that era. Originally, Fort Harvie stood on this site, but in 1850, a new fort was established, named in honour of Colonel Abraham C. Myers. It served as a strategic stronghold during the Seminole Wars and the US Civil War. After the military conflicts ended, the garrison was disbanded, and in 1866, Captain Manuel A. Gonzalez arrived, becoming the first civilian settler and opening a trading post.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a military fortification into a thriving city was driven by several important factors:

• Geography and Waterways: Its location on the banks of the wide Caloosahatchee River provided excellent transport links to the Gulf of Mexico and the interior regions of Florida, which facilitated the development of shipping.
• Cattle Ranching: In the late 19th century, the city became an important hub for the cattle trade. Local cowboys drove herds to the docks for shipment to Cuba and other regions.
• Natural Resources: Fertile lands and a mild climate created ideal conditions for agriculture, particularly for growing citrus fruits and sugar cane.

Early Economy and Cultural Flourishing

In the early period, the economy of Fort Myers relied on trade and farming, but a true turning point occurred in 1885 when the famous inventor Thomas Edison visited the city. Charmed by the local nature, he built a winter residence here, and was later joined by his friend, the automotive magnate Henry Ford.

The presence of such prominent figures turned the provincial town into a popular winter resort and attracted investments. This gave impetus to the development of infrastructure, the introduction of electricity, and the formation of the city's unique cultural image, known as the "City of Palms" thanks to Edison's efforts to line the streets with royal palms.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1850 — A military fort is erected on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, named in honour of Colonel Abraham C. Myers.
• 1866 — Captain Manuel A. Gonzalez arrives at the site of the abandoned fort and becomes the first civilian settler.
• 1885 — Inventor Thomas Edison acquires a plot of land to build his famous winter residence.
• 1886 — Fort Myers officially receives city status, and the formation of the local administration begins.
• 1898 — The opening of the luxurious Royal Palm Hotel attracts the first wealthy tourists and celebrities.
• 1904 — The Atlantic Coast Line railroad reaches the city, opening new opportunities for trade and travel.
• 1916 — Henry Ford buys "The Mangoes" estate next door to Edison's home, firmly establishing the city's status as an elite resort.
• 1924 — The opening of the bridge across the Caloosahatchee River connects the city to the major Tamiami Trail highway.
• 1947 — Mina Edison, the inventor's widow, donates the "Seminole Lodge" estate to the city to create a museum in memory of her husband.
• 1983 — The commissioning of a new regional airport (now Southwest Florida International Airport) stimulates a tourism boom.
• Present Time — Active restoration of the historic centre (River District) transforms it into the main cultural leisure destination for residents and guests of the city.

Stages of the City's Transformation

The development of Fort Myers is a story of transformation from an isolated settlement into a modern metropolis. Below are the key moments that radically changed the economic and architectural landscape of the city:

• Arrival of the Railroad (1904): The appearance of the Atlantic Coast Line became a powerful economic driver. This event allowed local farmers to quickly deliver citrus fruits to northern US markets and opened the city to mass tourism, making it accessible by land, not just by water.
• Greening and "City of Palms" Status: Thomas Edison's initiative to plant thousands of royal palms along McGregor Boulevard became a crucial urban planning decision of the early 20th century. This not only formed a unique street aesthetic but also created a recognisable visual brand that continues to work for the city's image today.
• Bridge Construction and Tamiami Trail (1924): The opening of the bridge across the Caloosahatchee River and the completion of the Tamiami Trail highway connected Fort Myers with Tampa and Miami. This ended the region's geographical isolation and triggered the "land boom" of the 1920s, significantly expanding the boundaries of residential development.
• Military Infrastructure (1940s): During World War II, large airbases (Buckingham and Page Field) were built in the vicinity. This led to a temporary influx of thousands of military personnel, many of whom, appreciating the climate, returned here with their families after the war, ensuring sharp demographic growth and suburban expansion.
• Launch of International Airport (1983): The opening of the new regional airport (RSW) to replace the cramped Page Field took tourism to a fundamentally new level. The airport became the main air gateway to Southwest Florida, ensuring a flow of international investments and travellers.
• Revitalisation of the Historic Centre (2000s — Present): A large-scale renewal programme for the River District turned the fading business centre into the cultural heart of the city. The project allowed for the preservation of historic architecture, the modernisation of utilities, and the creation of an attractive pedestrian environment with restaurants and galleries.

Architectural Evolution and Styles

The architectural appearance of Fort Myers is a harmonious blend of "Old Florida" heritage and modern resort development. The city's development can be divided into several key stages, each leaving its mark on the urban environment.

• Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries (Colonial Style and Vernacular Architecture): The city's early buildings were predominantly wooden and functional, adapted to the humid, hot climate. This period is characterised by wide verandas, high ceilings, and large windows for ventilation.
  Example: The winter residences of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, designed in a style combining elements of Colonial Revival and traditional Floridian architecture.
• 1920s Land Boom (Mediterranean Revival and Neoclassicism): The era of economic prosperity brought a fashion for Spanish motifs. Buildings made of stone and concrete with stucco, arched windows, and tiled roofs began to dominate the centre. In parallel, strict Neoclassicism was used for administrative buildings, symbolising reliability and power.
  Example: Historic buildings in the River District.
• Post-War Period and Modernity (Modernism and High-Rise Construction): From the second half of the 20th century, the city began to grow outwards and upwards. Standard single-story suburbs (ranch style) and modern high-rise condominiums along the Caloosahatchee River, made of glass and concrete, appeared.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

The historic city centre, known as the River District, is an open-air museum where the most significant architectural monuments are concentrated.

• Lee County Courthouse: Built in 1915, this building is a striking example of Neoclassicism. Its massive columns and strict proportions make it a dominant feature of the central part of the city.
• Burroughs Home & Gardens: An elegant 1901 mansion in the Georgian Revival style. This is one of the few surviving buildings from the era when Fort Myers was an exclusive resort for the elite.
• Arcade Theatre: A 1915 building that originally served as a cinema for vaudeville shows. Its architecture reflects the transitional period and the city's aspiration for cultural development in the early 20th century.
• Edison and Ford Estates: A complex of buildings surrounded by botanical gardens, representing a unique example of adapting residential architecture to a subtropical climate before the advent of air conditioning.

Famous Residents and Historical Figures

The history of Fort Myers is inextricably linked with the names of great inventors, entrepreneurs, and athletes. Their contributions shaped the unique appearance of the city and brought it fame far beyond Florida.

• Thomas Edison — Inventor and Entrepreneur.
  The city's most famous resident. In 1885, he built the "Seminole Lodge" winter estate here. It was Edison who suggested planting royal palms along the main street, thanks to which Fort Myers received its famous nickname, the "City of Palms".
• Henry Ford — Automotive Magnate.
  A close friend of Edison who bought the neighbouring estate, "The Mangoes", in 1916. His presence finally cemented the city's status as an elite winter resort and promoted the development of automotive tourism in the region.
• Mina Miller Edison — Philanthropist and Community Leader.
  The wife of Thomas Edison, she was actively involved in the city's beautification. In 1947, she performed a historically important act by donating the Edison estate to the city, which allowed for the creation of one of Florida's most visited museums.
• Francis Asbury Hendry — Cattleman and Politician.
  Often called the "Father of Fort Myers". In the late 19th century, he turned the former military fort into a thriving centre for the cattle trade and played a key role in the official founding of the city.
• Tootie McGregor Terry — Patron and Developer.
  An influential woman of the early 20th century who invested personal funds into infrastructure development. She financed the construction of the first paved road (now McGregor Boulevard) and the city embankment, changing the face of the coastline.
• Deion Sanders — Athlete and Coach.
  A legend of American sports, born and raised in Fort Myers. The only athlete to have played in both the Super Bowl (NFL) and the World Series (MLB). Sports facilities in his hometown are named after him.
• Harvey Firestone — Industrialist.
  Founder of a tyre empire and a frequent guest of Edison and Ford. Together with them, he conducted botanical research in Fort Myers to find sources of natural rubber, which led to the creation of a research laboratory that operates as a museum today.