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

Fort Myers Fishing Craze

— Edison and Ford Winter Estates —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025

1. Fort Myers Fishing Craze Marker

Inscription.
• Thomas and Mina both caught tarpon in the waters surrounding their Fort Myers estate, as did their son Charles. In a 1908 letter to Charles, Mina commented, "This morning I fished for tarpon and do you know I had 180 (pound) fish on my line and the miserable fish threw my bait. Was not that a shame?"

• Excellent fishing was only a short boat ride away for the Edison family. In 1904, they purchased an electric boat named the Reliance. A 36' long, low drafting river touring vessel, it had a top speed of 8 MPH and could be recharged at a station in the Edison boathouse. The Fords also enjoyed boating aboard their yacht, the Sialia, which was over 200' long. Because of its size, the Sialia could not navigate the shallow Caloosahatchee River.

• Both the Edison and Ford families enjoyed eating fish, crabs, oysters and clams. Many of the same local varieties of seafood enjoyed by these historic families are still served by Pinchers.

(sidebar)
The Edison’s, Ford’s, Boating and Fishing
In 1885, the same year Thomas Edison first arrived in Fort Myers, the area was beginning to earn a reputation as a fishing destination.

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That year, a series of Tarpon (or "Silver King") were successfully caught on a rod and reel in nearby waters, sparking a sport fishing craze.

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Charles Edison and family friend Bessie Krup pose with a fishing rod Jack Crevalle on the Edison deck.
Fresh blue crab caught exclusively for Pinchers in the Caloosahatchee River.

Erected by Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 26° 38.136′ 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,

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, August 1, 2025

2. Fort Myers Fishing Craze Marker

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: The Coconut Grove (within shouting distance of this marker); The Edison Cistern (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Systems (within shouting distance of this marker); Motor Generator (within shouting distance of this marker); Swimming Pool (within shouting distance of this marker); Edison’s Study (within shouting distance of this marker); The Moonlight Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Edison’s Study (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Myers.

Also see . . .
1. On Florida’s Waters - When Thomas Edison Caught A Tarpon Near Fort Myers. (Submitted on August 22, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
2. Edison and Ford Winter Estates. (Submitted on August 22, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)

Thomas Edison and Charles Edison Fishing. Charles is a 10 years old. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Wikimedia Commons

3. Thomas Edison and Charles Edison Fishing. Charles is a 10 years old.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 80 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 22, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.