Fort Myers & Sanibel/Lee County Traveler's Guide 2008 - (Page 21) 5 Commerce & Trading Fort Myers is established near the current downtown in 1850; hardy settlers soon follow. Entrepreneurs establish cattle-ranching operations (1860s1880s). 9 Modern Times Buckingham and Page fields aid the World War II effort, Iona becomes the selfproclaimed gladiolus capital of the world and beaches lure visitors from near and far. 1835 - 1842 Second Seminole War 5 1861-65 U.S. Civil War 1860 1880 1887 - First street light, Sanibel settled 9 1845 1850 1900 6 7 1920 8 1990 1845 - Florida gains statehood 1885 - Fort Myers, pop. 349; incorporation; first rod-n-reel-caught tarpon 6 Town Building From the late 1890s to the 1910s, Fort Myers grows from a frontier cow outpost to a bustling town. A donation from Mrs. Tootie McGregor Terry paves the road that still bears her first husband’s name. 8 Dunbar Dunbar is a thriving African-American community. Dr. Ella Piper, a chiropodist, contributes much to its well-being. 7 Inventors’ Haven Thomas Edison and Henry Ford bring presidents and captains of industry to the blossoming Fort Myers. Pictured above from left: President Herbert Hoover, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone. Dr. Ella Piper W W W. F O R T M Y E R S - S A N I B E L . C O M | PAGE 21 http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com
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