Fort Myers, Florida, began taking shape in the 1840s after a hurricane forced the evacuation of Fort Dulaney near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. First Lieutenant John Harvie relocated the post farther inland, naming it Fort Myers in honor of Colonel Abraham C. Myers. Retired soldiers built homes along the water, while cattlemen such as Jake Summerlin and Captain James McKay used the river in the 1860s and 1870s to ship cattle to Cuba, anchoring early commerce. During the Civil War, Confederate blockade runners and cattle ranchers operated from the area, trading with Seminole groups and Union forces. At incorporation in 1885, the town counted only 349 residents. Growth accelerated in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries with the arrival of the railroad, the citrus industry, and influential residents like inventor Thomas Alva Edison. Today, with a population of roughly 99,000 residents, the city remains the historic core of Southwest Florida despite larger neighboring communities.  



That history remains visible along the river. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates preserve the former homes, gardens, and laboratory of Thomas Edison, later joined by Henry Ford. Visitors walk through riverfront grounds, historic residences, and preserved workspaces that show how invention, industry, and daily life intersected here during the early twentieth century.

Cultural activities here are year-round. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts performances, concerts, and exhibitions inside a restored historic building downtown. Arts for ACT Gallery & Studio showcases rotating art displays while supporting community programs through creative engagement. IMAG History & Science Center combines hands-on exhibits, science demonstrations, and local history displays that attract families, students, and visitors looking for interactive learning.

Food in the city reflects the comfort of home. Ella Mae’s Diner is known for classic breakfast and lunch dishes, including eggs cooked to order, biscuits and gravy, burgers, and daily specials served in a traditional diner setting. Oxbow Bar & Grill sits along the river, offering seafood plates, sandwiches, and cold drinks with views of passing boats and the downtown waterfront, making it a common stop for both residents and visitors spending time near the water.

Local shopping focuses on small, character-driven spaces. Charley’s Downtown Boutique carries women’s clothing, accessories, and seasonal items arranged throughout a storefront that reflects the walkable nature of the downtown area. Quartz & Clover offers crystals, jewelry, candles, and wellness-related goods, drawing customers interested in metaphysical items. 

Outdoor spaces shape how people spend their free time. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve provides elevated boardwalks through wetlands where visitors encounter native plants, birds, and quiet water corridors. Manatee Park becomes especially active during cooler months, when manatees gather near warm-water outflows and viewing platforms allow close observation without disturbing wildlife. Lovers Key State Park extends the outdoor experience to barrier islands, offering beaches, trails, kayaking routes, and open shoreline that highlight the region’s coastal landscape.

Recreation and entertainment often center on the riverfront. The Downtown River District brings together restaurants, shops, galleries, and public spaces that stay active throughout the day and into the evening. Fort Myers Fishing Adventures takes advantage of the surrounding waterways, offering guided fishing trips that reflect the area’s long-standing relationship with the river and nearby coastal waters.

With Fort Myers’ riverfront development and preserved wetlands, wildlife frequently finds places to hide out around properties. Wildlife Task Force handles these issues through expert removal and exclusion work focused on clearing the space and preventing repeat access. Contact us today for more information.