Ft. Myers, FL Condominiums - The Intriguing History of Downtown Ft. Myers
Most people don't think of Florida cities as having a rich and interesting history. Florida seems so young as a state! Well, the history of downtown Ft. Myers dates back to the 1840s, when Ft. Myers was one of the first forts built along the Caloosahatchee River as a base of operations against the Seminole Indians. Hard to believe that there are Ft. Myers, FL condominiums standing on the same site as a historic military operation. Used sporadically throughout the years leading up to the Civil War, by wars end, Myers was abandoned by the military once and for all.
After the war, a number of settlers began to arrive in Ft. Myers, enough to officially establish the community and record the plat in 1876. Soon growth began to take shape in the general area of the old fort grounds, which is present day Downtown Ft. Myers. By 1885, the population had grown to 349, and soon there were hotels, and pineapple plantations built along the river. A building boom was underway by the early 20th century with wood frame homes, which became to be more elaborated decorated, being built along First Street and Palm Beach Boulevard.
The arrival of the Coast Railroad in 1904 helped spur commercial activity, with more new hotels, a power plant, and several banks. All of Florida shared in the economic boom time of the 1920s, and Ft. Myers downtown added some showy Mediterranean Revival-style homes that are typical of this period. The depression of the 1930s brought construction to a virtual standstill, but Ft. Myers had a few notable exceptions including the construction of the Edison Bridge, which made travel to the north much easier. Another exciting addition to downtown was the Yacht Basin, used by the Coast Guard during World War II, and today used by pleasure boaters, with capacity to dock 246 boats.
In the years following World War II, servicemen returned home to settle in Ft. Myers and helped contribute to the city's revitalization. While new commercial buildings and shopping centers have grown up around the heart of downtown, this region still retains its charm. In addition to Ft. Myers FL condominiums cropping up along the river, the area also boasts restaurants, cafes, boutiques and theaters.
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