Edison Park Historic District in Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Citrus Heats Up in Fort Myers

— Edison and Ford Winter Estates —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025

1. Citrus Heats Up in Fort Myers Marker

Inscription. In the 1890s, a deep freeze caused many Florida growers to move their orange crops to Fort Myers and other southern cities. Citrus packing plants were built at the end of long docks in the Caloosahatchee River. At first, oranges were shipped by boat, and beginning in the 20th century, by rail, to consumers.

By the 1950's, Florida Orange Juice had become an American breakfast staple due to the Florida growers and their efforts to market and promote their products in popular TV commercials.

‐ Did You Know —
Every glass of Florida Orange Juice contains the Amazing 5: great taste, vitamin C, potassium, folate and NO added sugar. Just 8 oz. (for adults) and 4 - 6 oz. (for kids) counts as one of your fruit servings for the day because it delivers an amazing package of nutrients.

Erected by Edison and Ford Winter Estates and Florida Citrus.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 26° 37.989′ N, 81° 52.884′ W. Marker is in Fort Myers, Florida, in Lee County. It is in the Edison Park Historic District. It can be reached from McGregor Boulevard 0.1 miles north of Llewellyn Drive, on the left when traveling

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north. Located on the grounds of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates on the river side of the compound. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2350 McGregor Blvd, 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: Citrus on the High Seas (here, next to this marker); The Henry Ford Citrus Grove (a few steps from this marker); The Gift of Citrus (a few steps from this marker); Squeezing Success (a few steps from this marker); The Past, Present, and Future of Florida Citrus (a few steps from this marker); The Landscape of The Mangoes (within shouting distance of this marker); Inside Henry Ford’s Mangoes Estate (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mangoes: Henry Ford’s Florida Retreat (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Myers.

Also see . . .
1. Edison, Ford, and Citrus: A Sweet History. (Submitted on August 15, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. What is on the trees at the Ford Estate. (Submitted on August 15, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025

2. Citrus Heats Up in Fort Myers Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.