Lee County, Florida

A Slice of Slough Alderman House Alva Library-Owanita Chapel Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) Boating with Wildlife Boca Grande Lighthouse Boca Grande United Methodist Church Bonita Springs Elementary School Buckingham and Page Army Air Fields Buckingham Army Air Field Buckingham Army Air Field Gunnery Ranges Butterflies of Lee County Clara Ford’s Michigan Rose Garden Edison Caretaker's Yard Edison Caretaker’s House Edison Estate Restoration and Rebirth Edison Family Home Seminole Lodge Edison Guest House Edison Heritage Garden Edison Park School Edison Pier Edison Pool Complex Edison's Study and Moonlight Garden, 1928 Edison’s Water Systems Edison’s “Florida Paradise” Explore Southwest Florida Naturally! Fire Control in Edison’s Time... and Today First Street, Fort Myers Fort Myers Freshwater Wetlands Habitat Frierson-Hendry Cemetery Gasparilla Inn & Club Great Blue Heron Pavilion Harney's Point Henry Ford Henry Ford's Florida Estate Inside the Ford Home Iwo Jima Monument Koreshan Unity Settlement Locomotive 143 Manatee Island Manatee Young Mangroves - Trees of the Sea Mina Miller Edison Molluscan Reproduction and Egg Case Mollusks and the Environment Motor Generator Munching Manatees National Society Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America Nature's Landlord Orchid Lane and Friendship Walk Other Visitors to Manatee Park People and Plants Pine Flatwoods Habitat Pioneer Hole Plants and Progress Pleasure Pier Relatives and Relationships Responsible Fishing Robert E. Lee Sanibel & Everglades Restoration Sanibel Lighthouse Scrub Oak Habitat Sea Turtles on Sanibel Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Slough Interpretive Trail The Anatomy of a Manatee The Beach is a wild place The Dragon And His Tail The First Baptist Church of Boca Grande The Florida Manatee The Historic Riverfront The Manatee-Human Comparison The Moonlight Garden The South Florida Ecosystem The Twilight Zone The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Thomas Alva Edison Tracking Manatees Why do Manatees Come to Manatee Park ? Williams Academy 'Tween Waters Inn "In the Name of Humanity"--Koresh “Why, this will be the finest thing that ever happened to lovely Fort Myers.”
Lee County, Florida, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The region was originally inhabited by the Calusa Indians, who thrived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors explored the area, followed by English and French explorers.

The area now known as Lee County was officially established in 1887 and named after General Robert E. Lee. At the time, the region was primarily used for cattle ranching and fishing. However, it quickly became apparent that the area had potential for agriculture due to its fertile land. Over the years, citrus groves, vegetable farms, and cattle ranches became prominent in Lee County.

The 20th century brought significant growth and development to Lee County. The construction of the Tamiami Trail in the 1920s connected Fort Myers (the county seat) to Tampa and Miami, opening up the area to tourism and commerce. During World War II, the region played a crucial role as a training ground for pilots and military personnel.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Lee County experienced a rapid population boom, largely driven by retirees seeking warmer climates. The construction of the Interstate 75 in the 1970s further facilitated growth and paved the way for the development of residential communities, shopping centers, and tourist attractions.

Today, Lee County is a vibrant and thriving area that attracts visitors from around the world with its beautiful beaches, unique wildlife, and recreational opportunities. It is also home to various cultural attractions, including the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, which showcase the legacies of two iconic American inventors. As a popular destination for tourism and retirement, Lee County continues to evolve and adapt to meet the needs and desires of its residents and visitors.
Brief timeline of the history of Lee County, Florida:

  • 1887 - Lee County is established on May 13, named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
  • 1914 - The Tamiami Trail, connecting Tampa and Miami, is completed through Lee County.
  • 1923 - The city of Fort Myers is incorporated.
  • 1931 - The Edison Bridge, linking Fort Myers and North Fort Myers, is opened.
  • 1941-1945 - During World War II, Fort Myers becomes an important training and supply base.
  • 1963 - Cape Coral, a planned community, is incorporated in Lee County.
  • 1983 - The Southwest Florida International Airport opens in South Fort Myers.
  • 2010 - Lee County experiences a significant decline in its housing market, following the nationwide real estate crisis.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lee County, Florida.

Audiobooks about the history of Florida.