Fort Myers

On March 24, 1886, the city of Fort Myers was formally incorporated. At the time, it was a small but growing settlement in southwest Florida. The incorporation marked a significant development in the city's governance and infrastructure, facilitating further growth and development. Fort Myers would go on to attract settlers and become an important hub in the region, known for its strategic location and access to the Caloosahatchee River, which played a critical role in its economic and social history.

The Tamiami Trail Bridge was an important infrastructure project that connected Fort Myers to Miami and other parts of the region. Completed on December 19, 1921, the bridge was a key component of the Tamiami Trail, which served as a major transportation artery across the southern part of Florida. The completion of this bridge facilitated the movement of people and goods, greatly contributing to the economic development of Fort Myers and the surrounding area by improving access to markets and resources.

The 1926 Miami Hurricane, also known as the Great Miami Hurricane, was a large and intense hurricane that struck the Miami area in Florida in September 1926. The hurricane caused significant damage to many cities including Fort Myers, where it resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. The hurricane's path took it across southern Florida and into Fort Myers, which experienced considerable damage from the strong winds and flooding. Many buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, and the storm disrupted communication and transportation networks, leading to a slow recovery process.

During World War II, Fort Myers was transformed into a major military training hub when Page Field, an airport in the city, was converted into an airbase to train military pilots and crews. The establishment of this military training facility on December 21, 1942, brought significant changes to Fort Myers, with an influx of personnel and resources. It played a crucial role in supporting the war effort by preparing thousands of military aviation personnel. The presence of this facility had lasting effects on the city, contributing to its growth and development during and after the war.

During World War II, the United States military established a number of airfields for training and defense purposes. On February 15, 1945, Fort Myers Army Air Field officially opened. This airfield was used primarily for training aircrews and provided a base of operations for military aircraft. After the war, control of the airfield was handed over to civilian authorities, eventually becoming what is now Southwest Florida International Airport, a major commercial airport serving the Fort Myers area.

Hurricane Donna was one of the most powerful storms of the 1960 Atlantic hurricane season. It struck the Florida Keys and then moved up the coast of Florida. On September 10, 1960, Hurricane Donna impacted Fort Myers with strong winds and heavy rains. It caused extensive damage throughout the city, including widespread power outages, flooding, and structural damage to homes and businesses. The hurricane left a lasting mark on the city and prompted improvements in hurricane preparedness and building codes.

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are historically significant properties in Fort Myers, Florida. These estates were the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, two iconic figures in American history. On July 7, 1986, the estates were officially opened to the public as a museum. The site includes historic buildings, gardens, and a museum. It provides a glimpse into the lives of Edison and Ford and their contributions to technology and industry. It has become a popular tourist attraction and an important cultural heritage site.

Hurricane Charley was a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in southwest Florida on August 13, 2004. It was a fast-moving storm that caused extensive damage in its path. Fort Myers was one of the areas significantly affected by Hurricane Charley, with many homes, businesses, and infrastructure damaged or destroyed. The hurricane caused widespread power outages and disruptions to daily life. Charley's impact led to improvements in emergency response and highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities to powerful storms.

On May 2, 2006, the Midfield Terminal at the Southwest Florida International Airport officially opened. This major expansion increased the airport's capacity and improved its facilities, supporting the needs of travelers and contributing to the economic growth of Fort Myers. The new terminal featured advanced amenities and was designed to handle larger volumes of traffic, positioning Fort Myers as a more accessible and attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Hurricane Irma was a powerful and catastrophic storm that swept through the Caribbean and made landfall in Florida in September 2017. On September 10, it affected Fort Myers with strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges. The impacts on Fort Myers were significant, causing flooding, power outages, and damage to homes and infrastructure. The city undertook significant recovery efforts in the aftermath to restore services and repair damages. Irma was a reminder of the ongoing risks posed by hurricanes to the region.