Schmap Fort Myers Historical Background

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Fort Myers - Historical Background
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Fort Myers Home
Schmap Fort Myers guide and map

The Seminole Indian Wars during the 1840s and 1850s brought about the construction of several union forts along the Caloosahatchee River to serve as a base of operation for federal troops. One was Fort Myers, named after Colonel Abraham C. Myers, chief quartermaster in Florida. It fell into disuse until the Civil War when it became an important outpost and was reoccupied.

Four hundred years before in 1521, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon introduced cattle into the territory. They roamed the wide-open ranges freely without care, thriving on wild grasses and the plentiful Palmetto. During the Spanish occupation of Florida, large herds were raised, providing beef, tallow for candles and hides.

Cowboys

When Florida became an American territory in 1821, people from the north began resettling here, many bringing their own cattle and breeding them with the Spanish cows. Raiding Indians and white outlaws were serious problems. Another was loss of stock by wolves, panthers and bears. These early cattle ranchers eventually developed the stronger and bigger Angus and Hereford cows. The Florida cattle industry flourished, as colorful and wild as the Old West, complete with hard-riding cowboys known as "Crackers" because of the popping noise from their whips, cross-country roundups, and tales of gun fights and rustlers.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island saw its first settlers in 1833 as part of a private New York land investment program. Although it didn't last long, the colonists petitioned the United States government for a lighthouse since commerce over water was increasing. In 1884 the beacon of the Sanibel Lighthouse was turned on.

Civil War

During the Civil War, Florida cattle were an important source of food to the Confederate Army. With a ready market, many ranchers shipped their cows by steamboat up the Apalachicola and Chattahoochee Rivers and sold them at Columbus, Georgia, where there was a major trading post.

With the destruction of the economy in the Southern states after the war, the first wave of settlers found a new home in Fort Myers where a school, theatre, banks, hotels and shops were built.

After the war, the US cattle market died but a new one opened in Cuba. The cows were rounded up from the open Florida ranges and herded through the Old Fort Myers area to Punta Rassa, a busy little town with an 800-foot wharf, hotels, cow pens, and a few saloons. The cows were loaded onto clipper ships bound for the Spanish country which paid one gold coin for each cow, about $15 in those days. It was common for cattlemen to carry leather bags filled with gold coins. Tales of buried gold abound today since few trusted banks then.

Cowtown

In the 1830s, a compulsory dipping law for cattle was enforced to eradicate the fever tick. This required ranchers to build fences and control where their cattle roamed. The grazing territories for cattle changed and the open ranges became more restricted. Today, Florida's oldest industry is still a major business. The state ranks third in the nation in cattle production.

Fort Myers was known as "Cowtown" until folks from up north began resettling in the area during the '60s and '70s. Its temperate climate, natural amenities, cheap land, and favorable growth potential brought a steady stream of new homesteaders. In 1885, Thomas Alva Edison came to Fort Myers for the healthier and warmer locale and built a 14-acre winter home. His estate included laboratories, vintage automobiles, exotic plants and tropical gardens. His good friend, auto manufacturer Henry Ford, also became a resident next door. Their homes are now city museums open to public tours.

By 1876 the community of Fort Myers was officially created. At the turn of the century, Fort Myers boasted 943 residents. The warm, temperate climate drew families desiring to resettle along with winter visitors escaping the cold, harsh north.

City of Palms

Another building boom began. Elaborately decorated vernacular homes were built. The city's growth was facilitated by the arrival of Henry Flagler's railroad in 1904. The new tourism industry also brought community expansion. The historic Bradford Hotel on First Street was built. Communities such as Edgewood, Woodward Grove, and Dean Park were developed, streets were paved, and the famous palm trees along McGregor Boulevard were planted, giving Fort Myers the moniker "City of Palms". The Burroughs Home, built in 1901 in the Downtown historic district, offers tours.

Housed in the restored Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot, the Fort Myers Historical Museum traces the history of the area from prehistoric times.

In 1894, Cyrus Teed founded a self-sufficient utopian religious community. The Koreshan State Historic Site gives a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of this sect which left its legacy on the community.

During the last part of the nineteenth century, pineapple plantations sprung up along the river. A severe freeze in 1893 destroyed the industry that moved farther south.

Boom Era

The 1920s was a "Boom Time" for all of Florida, and Fort Myers enjoyed the growth. As in other historic towns in Florida, the Mediterranean Revival style of architecture was popular with both commercial buildings and homes. During this time the Seaboard Railroad competed with Henry Flagler's Coast Line. Three terminals from this period are still in existence in the city.

The Tamiami Trail, linking Fort Myers to Tampa and Miami opened another avenue of travel and commerce.

The 1930s saw the end of the Boom Era with the collapse of the stock market and the nation's economy, along with hurricanes and poor city planning. However, some significant building continued with the construction of the Edison Bridge and the Federal Building in the Downtown Fort Myers district.

World War II brought a new wave of growth to Fort Myers, along with the rest of Southwest Florida. Since then, development has been east and west along the river. The charming, historic downtown district remains.

Lee County, and in particular Cape Coral, are leaders in the nation's growth, residentially and commercially, drawing visitors and new residents at an ever-increasing rate.

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Burroughs Home

Historic mansion with guided tours

2505 First St
Fort Myers, FL 33901
United States
+1 239 332 6125

Take a tour through history at The Burroughs Home, originally built in 1901. From October through May, costumed guides representing the Burroughs family lead you through the mansion and up the grand staircase. From June through September, tours are self-guided. Admission is $4 for self-guided tours, $6 for guided (cash only). There's a small gift shop, selling note cards and prints. Wheelchair access is available to the first floor, but not to the second floor. Park free in the Ramada Inn garage across the street. Lunch must be ordered in advance.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Tina Mayfield

Cape Coral

Fort Myers
United States
Northwest of Fort Myers, Cape Coral was originally laid out to resemble the Venice of Italy on the Gulf of Mexico. The man-made canal systems were instrumental in its residential and commercial growth and expansion. As the second largest Florida city after Jacksonville, its population is now well over 100,000. With more than 30 parks, there are numerous boardwalks and trails through ecological preserves, playgrounds, and picnic facilities. Armadillos, box turtles, bobcats, coyotes, bald eagles burrowing owls and foxes can be seen in the wild.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Erika Rivas
Photo: Debbie Paradise
Photo: Hugh Forsyth
Photo: Gina Formella
Photo: Cody Connor
Photo: Larry and Isa
Photo: Jerry Nelson

Downtown

Fort Myers
United States
Downtown Fort Myers is a beautiful section of southwest Florida and is a popular destination for business conferences as well as tourists. It features streets lined with palms along the scenic Caloosahatchee River, and it is beloved as a city with both natural beauty and urban appeal.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Hocheng Yen
Photo: Chang'r
Photo: Martin Gordon
Photo: Brennan Vargas
Photo: iblee leblanc
Photo: iblee leblanc

Fort Myers Historical Museum

Explore the history of Fort Myers 2300 Peck St
Fort Myers, FL 33901
United States
+1 239 332 5955
http://www.cityftmyers.com/att... For anyone who has ever wondered where the "fort" in Fort Myers was, the answer to that question and many others can be found at the Fort Myers Historical Museum. Housed in the restored Atlantic Coast Line Depot, the museum traces the history of the area from prehistoric times to the present day. Exhibits include a Pullman car, a replica of a late 1800s "Cracker" home and a World War II P-39 Cobra. Call ahead to know about admission prices and other details.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Koreshan State Historic Site

Camping, nature, history and canoeing US 41
(Corkscrew Road)
Fort Myers, FL 33928
United States
+1 239 992 0311
http://www.ecotrail.com/koresh... In 1894, Cyrus Teed founded a self-sufficient utopian religious community along the banks of the Estero River. The beliefs included equal rights for women and that the sun revolved inside the earth. Today the site is a park with well-preserved buildings, including the art hall and the founder's house. Most buildings are wheelchair accessible. You can also view the plants introduced to the area by the Koreshans and Mound Key, an island of shells by the Caloosa Indians. Admission is USD3.25 per vehicle. There is also a campground, picnic area, hiking and canoeing.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Simon Tew
Photo: Ewa Szymczak

Sanibel Island

Fort Myers
United States
Southwest of Fort Myers is the popular island of Sanibel, 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, connected at a narrow point. 2500 years ago, the island was inhabited by Calusa Indians who created the islands from mounds of discarded seashells, used for food, weapons, tools and building materials. With a reputation for great fishing, windsurfing, shell collecting, bird watching and other outdoor pursuits, the best way to get around the island is by bicycle. Golf and tennis are available here at the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club on the eastern end of the island, the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa and the Beachview Golf Club on the western side. The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, named after Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, a conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Ingo Erdmann
Photo: Ingo Erdmann
Photo: botanik
Photo: David Chwalisz
Photo: Steve Mulder
Photo: botanik
Photo: Allen D. Householder
Photo: Mitch Seward

Photo: Blake Patterson
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Photo: Vincent Pelly

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Fort Myers - Historical Background"
Fort Myers
Fort Myers - Neighborhood Guide
Fort Myers - Where to Stay
Fort Myers - Dining & Drinking
Fort Myers - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Tampa (155 miles)
Fort Lauderdale (188 miles)
Miami (189 miles)
Florida Keys (206 miles)
Orlando (206 miles)
Jacksonville (409 miles)
Atlanta (827 miles)
New Orleans (878 miles)
Chattanooga (991 miles)
Nashville (1150 miles)

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