History Of Fort Myers

Fort Myers has a rich and layered history that stretches back thousands of years, long before it became one of Southwest Florida’s most desirable coastal communities. Originally inhabited by the Calusa Indians, the area was once home to one of the most powerful Native American civilizations in Florida. The Calusa thrived along the waterways, using the Caloosahatchee River and surrounding estuaries for fishing, transportation, and trade. Their influence shaped the region long before European exploration reached Florida.

The modern history of Fort Myers began in the mid-1800s when the U.S. Army established Fort Myers in 1850 during the Seminole Wars. The fort was strategically placed along the Caloosahatchee River and named after Colonel Abraham Myers. Although the fort was abandoned and rebuilt multiple times, it played an important role in military operations and eventually became the foundation for the city that grew around it.

After the Civil War, Fort Myers slowly transitioned from a military outpost into a civilian settlement. One of the most significant turning points in the city’s history came in the late 1800s when Thomas Edison chose Fort Myers as the location for his winter home. Edison’s arrival brought national attention to the area and helped spark development. Soon after, Henry Ford became a neighbor and close friend of Edison, further cementing Fort Myers’ place in American history. Today, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates remain one of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks.

In the early 20th century, Fort Myers grew as agriculture, fishing, and tourism became key parts of the local economy. Improved transportation, including railroads and roads, helped connect the city to the rest of Florida and accelerated population growth. The completion of bridges linking Fort Myers to nearby barrier islands and Cape Coral further expanded the region and made coastal living more accessible.

World War II brought another wave of change when Fort Myers became home to military training facilities, including Page Field. After the war, the city experienced steady growth as retirees, families, and investors discovered the area’s warm climate and waterfront lifestyle. Development expanded beyond the historic downtown core, giving rise to many of the neighborhoods and communities that exist today.

In recent decades, Fort Myers has continued to evolve while still honoring its past. Downtown Fort Myers has been revitalized, blending historic architecture with modern dining, entertainment, and riverfront living. At the same time, surrounding areas have grown into thriving residential and commercial hubs, making Fort Myers a central anchor of Southwest Florida.

From its early Native American roots and military beginnings to its role in innovation, agriculture, and coastal living, Fort Myers’ history is deeply connected to the river, the land, and the people who shaped it. That blend of history and progress is a key part of what makes Fort Myers such a unique and appealing place to live, visit, and invest today.