They Got Electric Lighting In 1898 - Fort Myers

Fort Myers was originally established as a Seminole War Post in 1841, and was known as Fort Harvie. Fort Myers began a transformation into a farming and cattle community in the late 1860’s and 1870’s, but by the mid 1880’s Fort Myers began gaining national attention for local recreational fishing. Over time the original wooden buildings of the downtown area were replaced with masonry and brick buildings, many of which still exist today. Fort Myers first received the gift of electric lighting in 1898, thanks to its famous resident, Thomas Edison who lived here at Seminole Lodge. Edison was unpopular with locals because it was said that the lights kept their cattle awake at night.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The Burroughs home was built in 1901 on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River on what was called Millionaire Row in the heart of downtown Fort Myers.

This grand old house remains the only mansion of Millionaires Row still in its original location.

The Burroughs family entertained an array of famous Americans, from Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and Dr. Alexis Carrel to aviator Charles Lindbergh.

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The Edison Theater opened in 1941 and operated until 1981, when it closed. Today, the building is used as offices.

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The original historic Arcade Theater was built in 1915, and served as a vaudeville house and expanded and reopened as a movie theater in 1917. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1938.

This building on First Street was built as a commanding officer quarters, then went on to be a courthouse and post office before becoming The Sidney & Bernie Davis Art Center, which is is today.

The view of the Caloosahatchee River from the Ford and Edison Estates.

Ford and Edison Estates

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What you should know:

• The downtown area is very walkable.

• There is on the street parking, some metered; Check the posted parking regulations signs.

• You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day exploring the downtown area.

• There are several restaurant and entertainment options.

For more information: Fort Myers, FL