Lady Peach & the Hendry Legacy

One family’s deep roots in Fort Myers, First United Methodist Church, and the history of Southwest Florida.

From Ancient Shores to Modern Paradise

Travel through thousands of years of Southwest Florida history—from the Calusa and the region’s earliest settlements to Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, Edison and Ford, the Tamiami Trail, and the communities we recognize today.

The Calusa: Southwest Florida’s First Great Civilization

Long before modern cities appeared along the Gulf Coast, the Calusa built a powerful civilization around Southwest Florida’s waterways. Discover how they lived, traveled, traded, and left a lasting mark on the region.

Forts, Settlers and the Story Behind Fort Myers

Explore how a military fort along the Caloosahatchee River gave Fort Myers its name—and how soldiers, settlers, cattlemen, and early businesses helped a small river community begin to grow.

Punta Gorda, Naples and Southwest Florida’s Early Communities

Before today’s roads, resorts, and neighborhoods, early Southwest Florida communities developed around waterways, fishing, farming, trade, and transportation.

Edison, Ford and Firestone: Innovation in Fort Myers

Discover how Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone became connected to Fort Myers and conducted important work from Edison’s winter estate along the Caloosahatchee River.

Railroads, the Tamiami Trail and Opening Southwest Florida

Learn how railroads, roads, bridges, and the Tamiami Trail connected previously isolated communities and helped transform Southwest Florida.

Fishing, Farming, Cattle and the Industries That Built the Region

Explore the working waterfronts, cattle ranches, farms, citrus groves, fisheries, and hardworking people who helped Southwest Florida’s earliest communities survive and grow.

Sanibel, Captiva and Southwest Florida’s Island Communities

Discover the history, natural beauty, lighthouse, waterways, and distinctive communities that shaped Sanibel, Captiva, and the surrounding islands.

The Creation of Cape Coral and the Postwar Population Boom

Explore how canals, real-estate development, improved transportation, and postwar migration helped turn Cape Coral into one of Florida’s fastest-growing communities.

Southwest Florida Today—and What We’re Working to Preserve

Examine how Southwest Florida continues to grow while local communities work to preserve the region’s history, waterways, wildlife, working waterfronts, and unique identity.

Supporting the Businesses Building Southwest Florida Today

Southwest Florida's story continues through the local businesses serving our communities today. Find contractors, professional services, retailers, home-service companies, and more in the Here in SWFL directory.