Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Historic Riverfront
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, October 11, 2021
1. The Historic Riverfront Marker
Inscription.
The Historic Riverfront. . The Caloosahatchee River was the main highway for travel and commerce for many years after the settlement of Fort Myers. Even before Fort Harvie was established in 1841 (later renamed Fort Myers, in 1850) and the first permanent settlers (led by Major James Evans) arrived in 1859, the river was used extensively by the Calusa and Seminole Indians. During the late 1800's and early 1900's, Fort Myers was the home of several steamship companies including the Menge Brothers Steamboat Line, the Kinzie Brothers Steamer Line, and the Fort Myers Steamboat Company. By the turn of the century, Fort Myers was becoming the winter resort for the wealthy and the riverfront was crowded with private yachts and steamboats. Docks, boat houses, and warehouses were constructed far out into the river on piers wide enough to drive wagons and trucks. The river at that time came nearly up to Bay Street. Over the years, the riverfront was gradually filled, adding nearly two blocks of additional land.
The Caloosahatchee River was the main highway for travel and commerce for many years after the settlement of Fort Myers. Even before Fort Harvie was established in 1841 (later renamed Fort Myers, in 1850) and the first permanent settlers (led by Major James Evans) arrived in 1859, the river was used extensively by the Calusa and Seminole Indians. During the late 1800's and early 1900's, Fort Myers was the home of several steamship companies including the Menge Brothers Steamboat Line, the Kinzie Brothers Steamer Line, and the Fort Myers Steamboat Company. By the turn of the century, Fort Myers was becoming the winter resort for the wealthy and the riverfront was crowded with
private yachts and steamboats. Docks, boat houses, and warehouses were constructed far out into the river on piers wide enough to drive wagons and trucks. The river at that time came nearly up to Bay Street. Over the years, the riverfront was gradually filled, adding nearly two blocks of additional land.
Location. 26° 38.708′ N, 81° 52.183′ W. Marker is in Fort Myers, Florida, in Lee County. Marker can be reached from Edwards Drive east
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of Hendry Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Myers FL 33901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, October 11, 2021
2. The Historic Riverfront Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
