Fort Myers is a city located in the state of Florida in the United States of America. The city has a population of more than 87,000 people and is the seat of Lee County. It is situated on the Gulf Coast of Florida, about 120 miles southwest of Orlando and about 60 miles north of Naples.
The city was founded in 1866 and was named after Colonel Abraham Myers, who served in the Second Seminole War. Fort Myers is known for its beautiful weather and its many tourist attractions, including the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Manatee Park, and the Imaginarium Science Center.
History of Fort Myers
The history of Fort Myers, Florida began when the first European settlers arrived in the area in the late 18th century. The Calusa Indians were the first known inhabitants of the region and the earliest recorded encounter between them and the Europeans were in 1566. The Calusa were a powerful and warlike people who controlled much of Southwest Florida. They built large shell mounds, or middens, which contained their homes and businesses.
Fort Myers, Florida was founded in 1866 by Captain Manuel A. Gonzalez on the Caloosahatchee River. It was originally a Military Reservation during the Seminole Wars but officially became a town in 1885. Fort Myers is best known as the winter home of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. The latter first visited in 1885 and purchased 13 acres of land along the Caloosahatchee River. Today, that property is known as the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and is open to the public for tours. In 1915, Ford bought an adjacent property which is now also part of the estate and open for tours.
This place was also home to one of the last battles of the Third Seminole War. The Battle of Picolata took place in 1858 east of present-day downtown. Fort Myers is now a thriving city with a population of over 87,000 people. It is the seat of Lee County and a popular tourist destination. Major attractions include the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, and JetBlue Park, the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox.
Things to do at Fort Myers
If you plan to spend some time at this historic place, you can stroll down the riverfront and relax under the gigantic trees, shop in the downtown area, or visit one of the many museums. On the other hand, if you are interested in history, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are a must-see. The estates were home to two of America’s most famous inventors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Fort Myers is also home to several minor league baseball teams, including the Fort Myers Miracle. You can catch a game at Hammond Stadium or take a stadium tour. There are also a number of golf courses in the area, as well as tennis courts and other sports facilities. In short, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Fort Myers.
As you can see, Fort Myers is a city with a rich history that has been shaped by the people who have called it home. There are plenty of things to do and see in this vibrant community, so be sure to pay it a visit sometime soon!