Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
Edison’s “Florida Paradise”
Photographed by Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
1. Edison’s “Florida Paradise” Marker
Famous inventor and businessman Thomas Edison visited Forty Myers in early 1885. He planned to find a warm retreat to escape the cold winters of his home base in West Orange, New Jersey. Along with friends, he made his way to Fort Myers from the cooler climate of Jacksonville.
Real estate agency Huelsenkamp & Cranford helped Edison find a 14 acre property along the Caloosahatchee River, in the countryside one mile south of the city of Fort Myers. Through the grounds were mostly scrub and wild vegetation, the plants included Giant Green Bamboo, a natural fiber Edison was experimenting with as a filament for the incandescent light bulb.
After buying the property from cattleman Samuel Summerlin for $2,750, Edison made plans by creating a notebook that included a sketch illustrating his ideal winter retreat. His sketch included not only the homes, but also a laboratory, maintenance shop, and gardens for exotic and edible plants.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 26° 38.067′ N,
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Regionally, this marker was on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It was also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: Clara Ford’s Michigan Rose Garden (here, next to this marker); Henry Ford (here, next to this marker); Henry Ford's Florida Estate (here, next to this marker); Edison Caretaker's Yard (here, next to this marker); Fire Control in Edison’s Time... and Today (here, next to this marker); Edison Pier (here, next to this marker); “Why, this will be the finest thing that ever happened to lovely Fort Myers.” (here, next to this marker); Edison Caretaker’s House (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Myers.
Other markers no longer nearby. Motor Generator (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Edison’s Water Systems (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This marker has been removed and replaced with a marker on the same topic.
Also see . . . Edison & Ford Winter Estates. (Submitted on October 26, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 573 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on August 15, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. Photo 1. submitted on October 23, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
