Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

First Street, Fort Myers

First Street Fort Myres Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Teague, July 14, 2018

1. First Street Fort Myres Marker

Inscription. Fort Myers, like many South Florida communities, developed during the last half of the 19th century. First Street (once called Front Street) became the heart of the new town, In 1866, Manuel A, Gonzalez and Joseph Vivas took up residence at the recently abandoned fort. Arrival of other settlers led to the establishment in 1876 of a post office and the incorporation in 1885 of the community of 349 persons. First Street, then a sandy trail, appeared on the 1876 town survey plat and continued to occupy a central position in Fort Myers. A church, Phoenix Hall (the town social center), and the Keystone Hotel, which first welcomed Thomas Edison in 1886, stood along its route. Railroad construction and tourism contributed significantly to the growth of South Florida towns. Street light electrification in 1898 reflected progress in Fort Myers. Shortly after 1900, First Street was paved with shell which eased the way for tourists and automobiles. Modern buildings replaced frame structures along First Street, symbolizing the onset of the 1920's era of rapid growth, The first royal palms were planted in the City of Palms in 1897.

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Palm-lined First Street has continued to embody the appeal or sub-tropical Florida.

Erected 1977 by Nicholas Meriwether Chapter, National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century and Department of State. (Marker Number F-280.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Colonial Dames XVII Century, National Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 26° 38.678′ N, 81° 52.153′ W. Marker is in Fort Myers, Florida, in Lee County. It is on First Street (State Road 80) south of Jackson Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Myers FL 33901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory

First Street, Fort Myers Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 11, 2021

2. First Street, Fort Myers Marker

of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Historic Riverfront (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Myers (within shouting distance of this marker); Morgan Hotel (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Attack on Fort Myers (about 600 feet away); Pleasure Pier (about 700 feet away); 2nd Regiment Infantry, U.S. Colored Troops Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Uncommon Friends (approx. 0.2 miles away); Buckingham and Page Army Air Fields (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Myers.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Robert E. Lee (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2019, by Mark Teague of North Fort Myres, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,833 times since then and 128 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 24, 2019, by Mark Teague of North Fort Myres, Florida. 2. submitted on October 11, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.