There’s no better way to experience local history than by touring a historic home. Southwest Florida has its share, including the last surviving antebellum plantation home in South Florida, the Italianate Ca’ d’Zan, the extraordinary Planetary Court in Estero, and the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Take a guided tour and you’ll be surprised at what you learn!
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
Gamble Plantation in Ellenton
Built by Major Robert Gamble Jr. of Tallahassee, the Gamble Plantation home is a grand pillared Greek Revival mansion with a broad balcony on the second floor. It has 10 rooms including a grand parlor and a kitchen annex, all filled with antiques and furniture typical of the mid-19thcentury.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
Gamble lived here from 1844-1856 when it was the center of a thriving 3,450-acre sugar plantation prior to the Civil War. Stroll around the grounds as part of your visit and see the old cane presses and sugar kettles. There’s also a small Visitor Center and museum of artifacts recounting the history of the home and its famous visitors. Learn more about Gamble Plantation Historic State Park here.
The Ringling Ca’ d’Zan in Sarasota
Home of John and Mable Ringling and now part of the Ringling Museum Estate, Ca’ d’Zan reflects the Ringlings’ love for Italy. Even the name is derived from the Italian “House of John”.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
The magnificent Venetian Gothic exterior with its colorful glazed tiles overlooks beautiful Sarasota Bay. Inside the 36,000 square-foot palatial mansion are a host of architectural features and fabulous furnishings that will take your breath away. Whole rooms were purchased from wealthy American families such as the Astors as the Great Depression took hold. Highlights include the Grand Ballroom with its gilt carved doors and Pogany ceiling fresco, the grand central court, and an English Tap Room complete with bar.
Photo credit Jennifer Brinkman
The Ringlings were avid collectors of world-class artworks which are part of the Ringling Museum of Art, now separately housed within the estate. There’s also the fun and informative Circus Museums, restaurants, and gardens to explore as part of your visit to this Sarasota, Florida world-class attraction.
Burroughs Home and Gardens in Fort Myers
Small and cozy, the Burroughs Home was purchased from a Sears-Roebuck catalog. It was delivered by railroad and steamboat to Millionaire’s Row. Located on the banks of the broad Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, Florida this family home is filled with authentic furnishings typical of any wealthy family in the early 20thcentury.
Guided tours take you through each room, telling humorous anecdotes of the two daughters, their friends (the Firestones, Edisons, and Fords) and their social lifestyle. Highlights of this historic home include old photographs, the hemline mirror in the wood-paneled hall, the Butler’s Pantry with its icebox refrigerator, and a collection of letters and photos commemorating Charles Lindberg’s first trans-Atlantic flight. He was a regular visitor to the home.
After the tour, stroll along First Street to the shops and restaurants in downtown Fort Myers.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
Edison Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers
Also in Fort Myers, the neighboring estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Food are an award-winning attraction. Edison and Ford Winter Estates includes the two furnished historic homes, beautiful 20-acre gardens, a museum of Edison’s inventions and personal life, and a replica of Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory.
Edison arrived in Fort Myers in 1885, at a time when McGregor Blvd. was a dusty cattle trail and the town was in its infancy. He and his wife Mina were hugely influential in the developing city. They donated the first 200 palm trees which were planted along the boulevard and gave rise to the nickname “City of Palms”.
The estates are among the most visited historic homes in America and on the National Register of Historic Sites. The best way to learn more about this incredible complex is by joining one of the informative guided tours.
See early Ford motors in the garage, Edison’s experimental plantings, and the swimming pool. Look inside the homes before heading to the Gift Shop in the former caretaker’s cottage.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
Planetary Court, Koreshan State Park in Estero
The 135-acre Koreshan State Park was once a religious community led by Dr. Cyrus Teed. There are several surviving buildings from the 18thand 19thcentury along with the grand Planetary Court. This three-story home was built for seven “sisters” who funded the community.
Guided tours take you inside this beautiful example of Georgia Foursquare architecture. The ornate staircase showcases the outstanding craftsmanship within the community. Other buildings include the Founder’s House which has a documentary movie of the sect and a collection of original furnishings and photographs. The beautiful Art Hall nearby was where the community performed concerts and is still used for fundraising concerts and art displays.
Photo credit Nita Ettinger
These historic homes all offer a different perspective on Southwest Florida history making it a great day out for both visitors and folks interested in local history.
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