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

We’re Here Cottage

Photographed By Patrick Duggan

1. We’re Here Cottage Marker

Inscription. This beachfront cottage was built in 1921 by Joseph A. Davidson and was the 4th house built on the island.

It was located on Mango Street and nearly demolished by the 1944 hurricane. It is long remembered as Sue Davidson’s San Castle Kindergarten. When the property was sold, the cottage was donated by Henry and Edith Schlichte then relocated to this site on August 2, 1995.

It opened May 5, 1997 as the Estero Island Historic Society and Nature Center. During the summer of 2008 the cottage exterior was completely restored by Eagle Scout Sandor Cain of Beach Troop 999.

The Town Council and a grateful community recognized this achievement at Town Hall March 1, 2010.

Erected by Estero Island Historic Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 26° 26.961′ N, 81° 56.285′ W. Marker is in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, in Lee County. Marker can be reached from Bay Road, 0.2 miles north of Estero Boulevard (County Route 865), on the left when traveling north. Located at Matanzas Pass Preserve. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach FL 33931, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies

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. Plants and Progress (approx. 0.7 miles away); People and Plants (approx. 0.7 miles away); Nature's Landlord (approx. 4.7 miles away); Sanibel Lighthouse (approx. 4.7 miles away); The Beach is a wild place (approx. 4.7 miles away); Molluscan Reproduction and Egg Case (approx. 4.7 miles away); Sanibel & Everglades Restoration (approx. 4.7 miles away); Sea Turtles on Sanibel (approx. 4.7 miles away).

Also see . . .
1. Estero Island Historic Society. (Submitted on May 8, 2024.)
2. Matanzas Pass Preserve. Lee County Parks & Recreation (Submitted on May 8, 2024.)

The Cottage Annex Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Patrick Duggan

2. The Cottage Annex Marker

The second cottage of the Historic Society was fondly known as “The Pink Palace” when it was one of the “Laughing Gull” beach rentals on Seaview. It was built in 1960 by J. Guy Smith. The cottage was donated by Chuck & Sharon Schmidt and relocated to this site May 2, 2002 The deck was added and the cottage painted white for the dedication on April 4, 2003

Historic Designation marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Patrick Duggan

3. Historic Designation marker

The Cottages image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Patrick Duggan

4. The Cottages

Island Homesteaders (1898-1918) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Patrick Duggan

5. Island Homesteaders (1898-1918)

The Homestead Act of 1862 enabled early settlers to “Prove up the Land” after filing for Homestead Rights. When Estero Island was surveyed and platted in 1872, the pioneers began claiming sites of 24 to 160 acres of public land while paying as much as $1.25 per acre. During this time the entire north end of the island was held by the U.S. Government and the south end was claimed by the Koreshan Unity.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2024, by Patrick Duggan of Los Angeles, California. This page has been viewed 52 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 8, 2024, by Patrick Duggan of Los Angeles, California. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.