The first known inhabitants of the area were the Calusa Indians, who lived in villages along the coastline and were known as great fishermen and fierce warriors. Shell mounds, some of which were built as platforms for religious and civic ceremonies more than a thousand years ago, are all that survive of this once dominant nation.

Spanish colonization attempts ultimately led to the demise of the Calusa. At one time this tribe was estimated at 20,000; nearly all were wiped out by European-introduced disease, war or slave traders.

Fort Myers was established in 1841 as Fort Harvie, during the first Seminole War. Abandoned a year later, it was taken over by federal troops in 1863. The southernmost battle of the Civil War was fought here in February 1865.

Today, Fort Myers is known as the "City of Palms," a nickname derived in part from the 15 miles of statuesque palm trees that line both sides of McGregor Boulevard. The first 200 of these trees were planted by Thomas Edison, one of the region's earliest and most famous winter residents. Edison was a close friend of Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, both of whom were frequent visitors. Edison and Ford eventually became neighbors; their homes along the Caloosahatchee River now are museums.

Southwest Florida is unquestionably an outdoor lover's paradise. The average annual temperature is 74_F, ranging from an average annual high of 84_F to an average annual low of 64_F. There are numerous public parks and beaches throughout the region. Anglers can find a variety of saltwater and freshwater species to test their skills. Golfers will find more holes per capita than just about any place in the country - 1,549 holes on 95 courses. Those courses are complemented by some of the finest tennis facilities found anywhere. Nature lovers will be enthralled by the area, highlighted by the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which covers one-third of Sanibel Island off the Lee County coast.

Cultural life also thrives in Southwest Florida, led by two showpiece centers, the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Lee County and the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples. A variety of museums, galleries, and renovated theaters add to the arts scene.

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Location
Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast, between Naples and Sarasota (Lee County, between Collier and Charlotte Counties).

Areas of Interest
Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island, Bonita Springs & Beaches, Fort Myers, Pine Island, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, North Fort Myers, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Caya Costa State Island Preserve, North Captiva Island.

Geography
652,000 acres of total land area, 590 miles of shoreline, 50 miles of white sand beaches, 100 plus barrier and coastal island/Gulf of Mexico.

Average Annual Air Temperatures

• 73.9F average annual temperature
• 83.8F average annual high temperature
• 63.9F average annual low temperature

Average Annual Water Temperatures

• 77.5F Average annual temperature
• 70.8F average fall/winter temperature
• 84.1F average spring/summer temperature
• 66.0F average winter low temperature
• 87.0F average summer high temperature
  
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Population
350,809 residents in Lee County
45,043 residents in Fort Myers
5,534 residents in Sanibel Island
79,278 residents in Cape Coral
1.5 million visitors annually

Airports
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)southeast of Fort Myers and serving Lee, Charlotte and Collier counties, opened in 1984, serviced by most major domestic carriers and several international charter operations.

Page Field Executive Airport, near downtown Fort Myers.

Major Access Roads
Interstate 75 and U.S. 41 North-South
Alligator Alley and U.S. 41 (East of Naples) East-West.

Mileage from Florida Cities
Miami: 148 miles (2 1/2 hours drive time)
Orlando: 167 miles (3 1/2 hours drive time)
Tampa: 134 miles (2 1/2 hours drive time)
Daytona: 219 miles (4 1/2 hours drive time)
Jacksonville: 311 miles (6 hours drive time)

Peak season
January 15 through April (Rates are generally 30 to 60 percent lower during off-peak season (excluding holidays); reservations are essential during peak).

Hotel/Motel/Condominium/Resort Accommodation
More than 20,000 rooms, ranging from idyllic cottages to condominiums to deluxe resort properties and inexpensive motels.

Camping
More than 3,500 campsites, countywide, in: 40 R V parks, equipped with electrical and sewer hookups, 17 R V parks, offering additional tent camping.

Golf
1,549 holes on 95 courses in Southwest Florida, including 15 public courses, 34 semiprivate courses and 46 private clubs.

Marinas
58 marinas, 15 of which offer boat rentals or charters.

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