About Fort Myers

"There's only one Fort Myers and 90 million people are going to find it out." These lines, spoken on March 25, 1914, were uttered by one of Fort Myers' most well-known residents, Thomas Alva Edison. Though the population of Fort Myers may be a mere 46,474, countless people the world over have visited this beautiful city and bestowed to it the title "City of Palms."

Early Fort Myers

Situated in Florida's Lee County on the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers People On Fort Myers Beach

was originally built in 1850 after the Third Seminole War and named after Colonel Abraham Charles Myers, then chief quartermaster in Florida. The fort was used again during the Civil War as one of only four Union forts in the state of Florida, which was Confederate territory. In fact, during the Civil War, the southernmost land battle was fought in Fort Myers on February 20, 1865, with both sides claiming a victory.

Thomas Alva Edison and Fort Myers

Though Fort Myers was not incorporated by the State Legislature until April 1911, the late 1800's and early 1900's was a period of growth and change for Fort Myers. The area was mainly known as a "cowtown" until northerners began to migrate to Florida for the warm climate and sunshine. In 1885, Thomas Alva Edison came to Fort Myers and made the town his winter home. Another famous resident who wintered in Fort Myers was Henry Ford. The winter homes of both Edison and Ford are available to visitors and public tours.

Fort Myers, a High Quality Family Life

Besides its rich history, Fort Myers offers its residents great business Fort Myers Burroughs Home

opportunities and a high quality of family life. Emphasis is placed on fostering nurturing neighborhoods and strong educational programs. Retirees, too, can find a quality of life in Fort Myers not found in other communities. Personal income and effective buying income has steadily risen since 1990, with the greatest recent employment growth in the home health industry. The cost of living, in comparison with cities such as Washington, DC and Miami, FL, is far below average. The population of Fort Myers is projected to grow to 60,000 by the year 2010, with the greatest concentration of residents either between the ages of 25-44 or over 65 years old.

Recreation is also stressed in Fort Myers. For almost 70 years, Fort Myers has been famous for its professional baseball spring training. From February to April, both the Boston Fort Myers Beach Houses Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins call this town home.

Fort Myers, or the "City of Palms", beckons its visitors and residents alike to remember its rich history and its status as one of the best places to live now and in the future.