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 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.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Waterways

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

& Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 26° 38.708′ N, 81° 52.183′ W. Marker is in Fort Myers, Florida, in Lee County. It can be reached from Edwards Drive east 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.

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 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: First Street, Fort Myers (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Myers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Morgan Hotel (about 500 feet away); Pleasure Pier (about 500 feet away); The Attack on Fort Myers (about 700 feet away);

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 11, 2021

2. The Historic Riverfront Marker

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. 0.2 miles 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 October 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2021, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.