Fort Myers Live Cam

History

Fort Myers is a city located in Lee County, Florida, on the southwestern Gulf Coast of the state. It has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Here's an overview of the history of Fort Myers:

Early History: The area where Fort Myers is situated was originally inhabited by the Calusa Native American tribe. They thrived in the region for thousands of years, developing a complex society based on fishing and trading. The Calusa controlled much of the southwest Florida coast until the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century.

Spanish Exploration: In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León landed on Florida's east coast, but it was not until the mid-16th century that the Spanish attempted to establish a permanent presence in the region. The Spanish built several forts along the coast to protect their interests, including Fort Myers. However, these early attempts at colonization were largely unsuccessful, and the area remained sparsely settled for many years.

American Settlement: In the early 19th century, Florida was acquired by the United States from Spain. The first known American settler in the Fort Myers area was Manuel A. Gonzalez, who arrived in the 1860s. He was later joined by other pioneers, including the legendary Harvie Heitman and his family. These early settlers relied on fishing, farming, and cattle ranching to make a living.