Fort Myers is a city along the scenic Caloosahatchee River which is rich in history and architectural splendor. Fort Myers was incorporated in 1885 and it began as a military fort named Fort Harvie during the Seminole Wars and has since grown into a bustling city known for its historical landmarks and vibrant culture. The city’s rich past is reflected in its well-preserved buildings and with the largest concentration of historic structures still standing in Southwest Florida, the brick lined streets of Fort Myers make history comes to life.

The historic River District is a highlight of the city, featuring an array of architectural styles from early 20th-century commercial buildings to Mediterranean Revival and Art Deco structures. As you wander through the district, you’ll find beautifully restored buildings housing unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes, each with its own unique charm. It all started with the 1904 opening of a rail line connecting Fort Myers to Punta Gorda, which led to a series of construction booms.

For a delightful walking tour, you can begin along First Street at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, a beautifully restored 1933 neoclassical building that once served as a post office, originally named Whitehurst Federal Building. From there, make your way along beautiful First Street to enjoy the old Fort Myers atmosphere. You pass buildings like the red-brick Langford & Bank of Fort Myers Building and the Arcade Theatre, an Art Deco gem from 1938 which was originally built as a vaudeville house in 1915.

The main streets of historic interest is First Street and Hendry Street. At the corner between them, you can see the Bradford Hotel Building from 1905, the First National Bank & Earnhardt Buildings from 1911 and the Heitman-Evans Hardware Building from 1914. Continue along Hendry Street to the iconic Edison Theater from 1941 in Streamline Moderne architecture. From Hendry Street, you can access Patio de Leon, a courtyard know for live alligators kept in the courtyard’s original fountain as a tourist attraction.

A key attraction just southwest of the central River District is the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. These estates were the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, two of America’s most famous inventors. The estates include stunning gardens, historic homes, and a museum that provides insight into the lives and innovations of Edison and Ford. The architecture of the estates, with their elegant design and lush surroundings, showcases the grandeur of the early 20th century.