Happenings in Ft. Myers

History & Attractions in and around Ft. Myers

Ponce de Leon explored areas along Florida's Gulf coast in early 1500’s. The barrier islands of Lee County are believed to be one of his many stops. Spanish and Cuban settlers created temporary fishing and farming camps along the coast, but for years Southwest Florida was a rugged and isolated area.

In the early 1700s the Lee Island coastline first appeared with some accuracy in British maps. During the last half of the 1700s coastal areas of Lee County were a base of operations for bands of pirates raiding the cargo ships sailing to and from the port of New Orleans.

Florida became a US Territory in 1821, and the ensuing wave of settlers asked for protection from the native Seminoles. Fort Myers was built along the Caloosahatchee River as one of the first bases of operations during the Seminole Indian Wars. Fort Myers was named in honor of Colonel Abraham C. Myers, the son-in-law of the commander of Fort Brooke in Tampa.

The fort was abandoned in 1858 and reoccupied by Federal troops from 1863-1865. The Southernmost battle of the Civil War, a skirmish between Northern and Southern troops occurred across the river in 1865 and is reenacted annually at the North Fort Myers Cracker Festival.

The fort itself was disassembled, and some of the wood used in construction of some of the first buildings in what would become downtown Fort Myers. No more than ten families lived in the original town the winter home of Thomas A. Edison, beautifully poised along the Caloosahatchee River, is one of the greatest historic treasures within Lee County.  

Nestled along the scenic shoreline of the Caloosahatchee River, the city has become an interesting blend of young and old.

Sporting the youngest population in Lee County, with a median age of 32, the City of Fort Myers is also home to the historic winter residences of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Extensive renovation of the historic downtown waterfront is underway, with new restaurants, nightclubs, apartments, and artistic venues providing energy and growth.  Throughout the year, Southwest Florida residents and visitors enjoy cultural events overlooking the river at Centennial Park and the Fort Myers Yacht Basin.

Here are just a few of our prized attractions here for you and for your family to enjoy, although where so much Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas have to offer, too many to list. We feel that you’ll certainly enjoy these.

Sea World and Busch Gardens are a wonderful destination for the whole family. Busch Gardens is a thrilling African safari and a sun-soaked Florida vacation all rolled into one. Experience up-close encounters with wild animals, and explore fascinating attractions based on cultures and legends of faraway lands. Go to www.buschgardens.com & www.seaworld.com.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Step back in time by visiting Thomas Edison and Henry Ford's winter estates, the nation's 9th most visited historic home. You can take an extended guided tour of the homes, museum, laboratory and gardens. Botanical tours are available by special request. www.Efwefla.org/home.asp

Fort Myers Historical Museum   www.swflmuseumofhistory.com
The Fort Myers Historical Museum is housed in the former Atlantic Coastline Railroad depot on Peck Street in downtown Fort Myers. Here you will find information on early settlers of Southwest Florida including the Calusa, Paleo and Seminole Indians and an extensive artifacts collection. Exhibits include a private Pullman rail car and an authentic replica of a pioneer "cracker" house. Browse the exhibits at your own pace, or take part in a group tour.

Imaginarium Hands-On Museum  www.imaginariumfortmyers.com.   If you are looking for a place to interact with the kids, the Imaginarium offers fun for the whole family. Located just off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd this science museum features more than 60 interactive exhibits. These fun and educational exhibits allow children to learn about the environment, weather physics and other topics. Attractions include animals, aquariums displaying marine life, a touch pool, hurricane simulator, puppet theatre and interactive areas for preschoolers.

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium The Calusa Nature Center has a museum, nature trails, aviary and planetarium. Visit the museum to learn more about Southwest Florida's natural history. There are daily programs which include educational talks about indigenous animals including snakes, alligators, birds and butterflies. Visitors are able to get up close and personal to some of these creatures. Learn all about constellations, planets, star clusters and galaxies in the planetarium. Calusa's 105 acre site has plenty of picnic areas in the grounds.  contact them as: www.calusanature.com

Allow Ft. Myers Limousine take you and your family to your favorite destinations and if you don’t have a favorite yet, check out one of the many attractions listed and make yours a memorable experience.  We are sure that your trip to Ft. Myers, FL is a destination you’ll want to return to year after year!