Fort Myers in Lee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
“Why, this will be the finest thing that ever happened to lovely Fort Myers.”
-Thomas Edison
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
1. “Why, this will be the finest thing that ever happened to lovely Fort Myers.” Marker
“Beyond doubt you have the finest place in the country, and if you build a sea wall inside a few years this section will not be large enough to hold the tourists that will be scrambling to get here every winter. Yes, sir, by all means build the sea wall.”
-Thomas Edison, thoughts on the proposed city seawall from a local newspaper article in 1908.
Edison built the first section of the rock seawall along his property in 1903 and extended it along the Guest House property in 1907. The seawall was 3' tall and 2' wide and was completed at a cost of $450. The Seminole Lodge Caretaker, Ewald Stulpner, related in a letter to Edison that the structure “makes a great improvement to your riverfront."
The seawall protected the property and provided a small beachfront area for the Edison family and guests. The lawn along the seawall was also an important feature of the landscape.
Seawall Restoration 2005
. Lee County Beach and Shoreline Grant
. State of Florida, Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development
. City of Fort Myers
. Florida Gulf Coast University Archeological Survey
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 26°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Edison Estate Restoration and Rebirth (here, next to this marker); Orchid Lane and Friendship Walk (here, next to this marker); Clara Ford’s Michigan Rose Garden (here, next to this marker); Edison’s “Florida Paradise” (here, next to this marker); Inside the Ford Home (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 House (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Myers.
Also see . . . Edison & Ford Winter Estates. (Submitted on November 6, 2015.)
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
2. The seawall provides a resilient division between the river and Coconut Grove.
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
3. Thomas and Mina stroll along the edge of the seawall near the Lily Pond
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, October 10, 2015
4. Mina, Madeline, Theodore and a friend cool off in the river.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 360 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 5, 2015, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • A photo of the seawall, if it still exists. • Can you help?
