Fort Myers River District

Atomic Clock  - Centennial Park

The Fort Myers River District is the result of years of historical restoration projects, new construction projects and major road and street-scape projects to revitalize the downtown area. Downtown Fort Myers had been in a state of decline with many decaying buildings abandoned in the1980s and 1990s until redevelopment began and it was renamed the River District.

Edison Bridge Light

Many historical buildings have been restored including the Arcade Theatre, Bradford building, the Dean building, the DeLeon Building, the Earnhardt building, the Gwynne Institute, the old Lee County Courthouse, as well as, the old post office, which was transformed into the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center. Additionally, some of the original lights from the old Edison Bridge were moved to the pier at Centennial Park.


Color-coded maps are available online and at local venues listing an eclectic mix of cultural and historical attractions, boutiques, entertainment, restaurants, retail shops and services. A self-guided tour to the free public art and parks is also available with monuments and landmarks described and numbered on a map, including the Uncommon Friends Fountain, with Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone and a few Florida natives, shown below.

The Edison & Ford Estates Holiday Nights

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights 2010 featured traditional colored lights and decorations recreating a Christmas theme like one the Edison's and Ford's may have enjoyed during the 1920s.   

Edison's Seminole Lodge, consisting of multiple buildings connected by porches and breezeways, was elegantly decorated with lights, garland, wreaths, and Christmas trees inside each room, as well as, on the porches and surrounding grounds. 

Although the Ford Estate is smaller and consists of only one building, this grand estate was also decked out in lighted garlands and wreaths and multiple Christmas trees.

Holiday Nights continue until January 1, 2011 from 5:30 pm - 9 pm at 2350 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

After a recent visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, it is easy to understand why it is one of the most popular historic home sites in the country.

The first thing visitors see from the parking lot is a massive Banyan tree. Harvey Firestone gave this small tree to Thomas Edison in 1925 while they were working with Henry Ford to develop a source of natural rubber.

Behind the Banyan tree is the museum, gift shop, and botanic research laboratory. The museum holds some of Edison's inventions and Ford's automobiles, as well as, educational exhibits and videos. The lab is a step back in time and home to the original tools, equipment and machinery.

Across the street, lined with palm trees that Edison had brought in from Cuba, the estate homes, caretaker homes, gardens, swimming pool, pier, garages, and Edison's office have been restored to their original stature.

Edison's vacation home, "Seminole Lodge", was completed in 1886. He used the estate as a winter retreat while working on his botanic research until his death in 1931.

Henry Ford's vacation home, "The Mangoes", is located next door. Ford purchased it in 1916 and spent many winters there while also working with Edison on botanic research. 

Both residences take the visitor back to a bygone era with its sprawling porches and open-air buildings surrounded by acres of tropical greenery along the Caloosahatchee river.

The Edison Ford Winter Estates offers something for both the history buff and the nature lover.