The 1901 Georgian Revival Burroughs Home (2505 1st St.; 941-332-6125) was built by Nelson Burroughs, who made his fortune shipping cattle to Cuba during the Spanish-American War.

The Fort Myers Historical Museum (2300 Peck St.; 941-332-5955) tells the story of this community. The old downtown area around First Street has early buildings, shops and restaurants. A trolley runs through the downtown and links the major attractions. Both Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach are Main Street communities.

To the east, in nearby Alva between Fort Myers and LaBelle, the Alva Historical Museum (941-728-3180), housed in an 1887 church, interprets the life of early settlers. The La Belle Historical Museum in Hendry County (150 Lee St., 863-674-0034), likewise recalls the days of those pioneers.

History of a different kind was made at the Koreshan State Historic Site (U.S. 41 at Corkscrew Rd. in Estero; 941-992-0311), where a utopian community settled in the late 1800s. This "New Jerusalem" was created by followers of Dr. Cyrus Teed. Guided walks and campfire programs available. Other Lee County historic sites include the Cape Coral Historical Museum (544 Cultural Park Blvd.; 941-772-7037); and the Historic Cottage and Nature Center at the entrance to Matanzas Pass Wilderness Preserve (end of Bay Rd., off Estero Blvd.; 941-463-0435), which tells the history of Fort Myers Beach. The preserve is a great place for a peaceful stroll and osprey viewing.

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