Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers

Nestled in the vibrant city of Fort Myers, Florida, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates stand as a testament to American ingenuity and friendship. This historical museum complex offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of two of America's greatest innovators, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

The estates, situated on approximately 21 acres of lush, subtropical gardens, feature the winter homes of Edison and Ford, who were close friends as well as business associates. These beautifully preserved homes, along with Edison’s laboratory and a museum filled with artifacts, provide a window into the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Thomas Edison first came to Fort Myers in 1885 and built his winter retreat, Seminole Lodge, along the Caloosahatchee River. It was here that he could escape the harsh northern winters and find the tranquility necessary for his creative contemplations. In 1916, Henry Ford purchased the adjacent property, The Mangoes, further solidifying the bond between the two families.

The museum showcases a wide array of Edison’s and Ford’s inventions and personal memorabilia. Among the highlights are Edison's phonographs, early motion picture projectors, and Ford's vintage automobiles, including a Model T. The laboratory, where Edison conducted experiments on rubber to find a domestic source for his friend Ford, is a highlight of the tour. It remains much as Edison left it, with chemical bottles and scientific apparatuses providing a fascinating insight into his work process.

Visitors can stroll through the botanical gardens, which feature more than a thousand varieties of plants from around the world, including the massive banyan tree that Edison planted, now one of the largest in the continental United States. The estates also offer seasonal events, educational programs, and guided tours that delve into the inventors' lives and their impact on modern society.