History of Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers is a portal to southwestern Florida and one of Florida's most important tourist destinations. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford 's winter estates are the main attractions. Colonel Abraham Myers was the name of the city. It is the county headquarters and business center of Lee County, Florida, USA. In recent years, it has multiplied. The city population was 62,298 as of the 2010 census and was estimated at 79,943 in 2017.
Early History
The United States constructed fort Myers as one of the first strongholds with the Caloosahatchee River during the American-Indian War that happened in the 1830s; it served as a base for operations against the Seminole. At this time, Spain was initially colonial in Florida, followed by Great Britain and, finally, the United States.
The community of Fort Myers was founded by Captain Manuel A. Gonzalez on 21 February 1866 after the Civil War; it was also a key base with waterways in the Atlantic. While many Seminoles were forced to move west of the Mississippi River to the Indian Territory, others used their experience and knowledge of the Everglades and Florida forests to resist the Americans. They have never been beaten, and two confederated Seminole tribes control some of their traditional territories still. During the American Civil War, Confederate border runners and cattle ranchers were mainly based in Fort Myers. These settlers have flourished in commerce with the Seminole and the Union soldiers.
The community of Fort Myers was founded by Captain Manuel A. Gonzalez on 21 February 1866 after the Civil War; it was also a key base with waterways in the Atlantic. While many Seminoles were forced to move west of the Mississippi River to the Indian Territory, others used their experience and knowledge of the Everglades and Florida forests to resist the Americans. They have never been beaten, and two confederated Seminole tribes control some of their traditional territories still. During the American Civil War, Confederate border runners and cattle ranchers were mainly based in Fort Myers. These settlers have flourished in commerce with the Seminole and the Union soldiers.
Influx of Northerns
Northern people began traveling to Florida in the late 19th century. Some people saw opportunities for development. In 1881, Philadelphia's wealthy industrialist Hamilton Disston, Pennsylvania, arrived in the Caloosahatchee Valley. He intended to dredge the Everglades and drain them for development. Diston connected Lake Okeechobee to the Caloosahatchee River, allowing steamers to travel from Kissimmee River to the Gulf of Mexico to Lake Okeechobee.
In 1885, the inventor Thomas Alva Edison crossed the west coast of Florida and stopped to visit the fort. He soon purchased 13 acres in the town along the Caloosahatchee River. There he built his " Seminole Lodge " home as a retreat in winter. A laboratory was included for his ongoing work. Edison along with his family, spent many winters at Fort Myers after the lodge was completed in 1886.
In 1885, the inventor Thomas Alva Edison crossed the west coast of Florida and stopped to visit the fort. He soon purchased 13 acres in the town along the Caloosahatchee River. There he built his " Seminole Lodge " home as a retreat in winter. A laboratory was included for his ongoing work. Edison along with his family, spent many winters at Fort Myers after the lodge was completed in 1886.
Growth
The quiet town of Fort Myers–all 349 natives–was incorporated on 12 August 1885. At that time, it was the second biggest city on the Gulf Coast of Florida, south of Cedar Key.
By 1898, The Royal Palm Hotel was built. This luxury hotel attracted many tourists and made Fort Myers a national destination for winter resorts. The cultural and historical advancement features a range of styles of architecture. It is renowned for its community activities and strong neighborhood ties in the 21st century.
Today, Fort Myers is represented by a town council of six in which each member is appointed from a single ward. The small town has a Council-manager type of government in which the town council is responsible for the municipality's legislative functions.
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By 1898, The Royal Palm Hotel was built. This luxury hotel attracted many tourists and made Fort Myers a national destination for winter resorts. The cultural and historical advancement features a range of styles of architecture. It is renowned for its community activities and strong neighborhood ties in the 21st century.
Today, Fort Myers is represented by a town council of six in which each member is appointed from a single ward. The small town has a Council-manager type of government in which the town council is responsible for the municipality's legislative functions.
Click here for more information