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

The Coconut Grove

— Edison and Ford Winter Estates —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025

1. The Coconut Grove Marker

Inscription.
• This area of the property was mostly underwater when the Edison family lived here. More than a decade after Mina Edison deeded the estate to the City of Fort Myers, a significant amount of "fill land" was added to the landscape. Originally, a natural cove and small jetty were present, and the area was a favorite for the Edisons, who enjoyed walking along the river's edge.

• Thomas and Mina particularly enjoyed the nearby lily pond. The pond featured a variety of aquatic plants and served a practical purpose as well: runoff water from the adjacent pool filtered into it before entering the Caloosahatchee River.

• The Edisons and Fords were keenly aware of the importance of the Caloosahatchee River and its ecology to the community of Fort Myers. Today, the Marina at Edison Pinchers continue this tradition of environmental stewardship.

(captions)
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison sit at the foot of the Edison dock in 1925.
View from the Caloosahatchee River and Edison dock circa 1908.
Thomas and Mina Edison pose next to the lily pond circa 1925.

Erected by Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Topics. This historical

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marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.

Location. 26° 38.112′ N, 81° 52.849′ W. Marker is in Fort Myers, Florida, in Lee County. It can be reached from McGregor Boulevard north of Llewellyn Drive, on the left when traveling 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 Boulevard, 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: Swimming Pool (a few steps from this marker); Edison’s Study (within shouting

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025

2. The Coconut Grove Marker

distance of this marker); Water Systems (within shouting distance of this marker); Motor Generator (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Myers Fishing Craze (within shouting distance of this marker); The Edisons & Fords In Wild Florida (within shouting distance of this marker); The Moonlight Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Edison’s Study (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Myers.

Also see . . . Edison and Ford Winter Estates. (Submitted on August 21, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.