Florida Vistas Book Club: Hidden History of Ft. Myers

Event Description

Join us for our next Florida history book club meeting at the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. Although best known as the winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Fort Myers has one of the most engaging and extraordinary histories of any city in Florida. The Hidden History of Ft. Myers by Cynthia A. Williams talks about the spawn of a hurricane, Fort Myers began as a U.S. Army post during Florida's Seminole Wars. During the Civil War, it became a battleground between Confederates and Yankees for cattle and, after the war, a gun-slinging cowboy town. New York cartoonist Walt McDougall blew into the area on a fishing trip, and his glowing description lured down other wealthy Yankee sportsmen who helped turn this isolated frontier town into a modern tourist destination. Historian and author, Cynthia Williams, explores the hidden stories behind the growth of this beautiful city. 

Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling the Museum at 386-255-0285. 

Admission: Free for members, $5.00 for future members.