The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is located in Fort Myers, Fl, and contains a historical museum and 21 acres (8.5 hectares) botanical garden on the adjacent sites of the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford beside the Caloosahatchee River in southwestern Florida.
There is also a garden center (the Garden Shoppe) with hundreds of plants and trees. It is located at 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida.
The present site dates from 1885 when Edison first visited Southwest Florida and purchased the property to build a vacation home. His home, completed in 1886 and later dubbed “Seminole Lodge,” served as a winter retreat and place of relaxation until Edison died in 1931. Edison’s good friend Henry Ford purchased the adjoining property, “The Mangoes,” from Robert Smith of New York in 1916. Ford’s craftsman-style bungalow was built in 1911 by Smith. In 1947, Mrs. Mina Edison deeded the Edison property to the City of Fort Myers in memory of her husband for the public’s enjoyment.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates offer a unique glimpse into the lives of two of America’s most famous inventors and businessmen. Visitors can tour the homes and gardens and see firsthand how Edison and Ford lived and worked.
The historical museum contains a wealth of artifacts and exhibits on the lives and careers of Edison and Ford. The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The botanical garden is a beautiful setting for a stroll or a picnic. The garden features a variety of plants and trees, including some that Edison and Ford planted. The garden is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Garden Shoppe is great for finding plants and trees for your home or garden. The Shoppe is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are a must-see for anyone interested in the lives of two of America’s most famous men.