Situated on 17 acres along the Caloosahatchee River are the winter homes of long time friends Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. But, it was more than health and climate that brought them there.

In the late 1800’s, Fort Myers became the hub of invention and industry as likeminded friends and entrepreneurs... Edison, Ford and Firestone played integral roles in the history of our nation.

Although Edison had 1,093 patents, the most noteworthy being the incandescent light; he also pioneered the implementation of electric power stations for homes, businesses and factories. Then there were his contributions to mass communication that included the motion picture camera and phonograph. But, ultimately his principle of mass production and teamwork brought all three men together.

After years of working for Edison, Henry Ford applied those very concepts to his own company where he pioneered the modern assembly line offering inexpensive goods to consumers and high wages for workers. His commitment to lowering costs resulted in the "franchise system" establishing dealerships in every city of North America and six other continents.

Meanwhile, Firestone, a supplier of pneumatic tires for wagons and buggies, saw the potential for automobiles and linked up with Edison and Ford to become the sole provider of tires to Ford’s Motor Company.

Not wanting to rely on foreign resources, Edison, Ford and Firestone combined their efforts to pursue domestically produced rubber... in of all places... Florida.

HOW? ...
Take the guided tour! The guides are excellent and present highlights with humor and personality. An audio tour is included with full admission that dramatically enhances the guided tour.

As you walk among 500+ exotic specimens in the botanical gardens, imagine the animated conversation of these three pioneers. Then explore the lab and museum housing Edison’s original equipment.

There’s plenty to absorb and three hours may not be enough...

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GOING:
This is not an attraction for children under 10 years of age.

Wear comfortable walking shoes – guided tours are approximately 1 mile.

ADA accessible with adequate parking located at Estates entrance.

Parking for buses and RV’s.

Picnic area and tables

Wheel chairs are available

Banyan Café open 10am – 3pm

Museum Store

Garden Shoppe

Historic Cottage Shoppe

Pets are not allowed on the Estates with the exception of guide animals

Dates closed: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Coupons

AAA Discount