Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers (must see)

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, long-time friends, purchased adjoining estates in Ft. Myers. These were considered their winter homes where they could each relax with their families. After Edison's death, his widow donated the property to the city. The same was done with Ford's property, though not until 1988.

Edison's home, Seminole Lodge, was completed in 1886. Twenty years later, the Edisons remodeled the home and purchased a nearby property to be used as a guest house. The grounds also include the caretaker's house, pool house, and a private study.

After having spent time in the Edisons' guest house, Henry Ford bought the nearby estate, The Mangoes. He and his family lived in the house until 1945. The grounds of the Ford estate also include the caretaker's cottage, which has been transformed into gift shop for visitors.

A unique feature of the Edison and Ford Winter Estate's is the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory. Edison and Ford, along with Harvey Firestone, created the lab in order to find a source of rubber that could be easily produced in the United States. It is designated as a National Historic Chemical Landmark.

The Edison Ford Museum is a favorite among visitors. The 15,000 square foot museum includes thousands of artifacts from both of these innovative men. Tourists will also see the research gardens, which include year-round blooms, ficus trees and plants from across the world.

Visitors can now explore the estates in all of their grandeur. Tourists can walk through the 20-plus acre estate, historical buildings, botanical gardens, the laboratory and the museum. There is also a research library onsite that is open by appointment only.

Tips:
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are open daily from 9 AM through 4:30 PM. There are a number of tour options available, including a self-guided tour.