In 1850, a military outpost was established in the area and named after Col. Abraham C. Myers, the fiancé to the daughter of the general that had the honor of naming the fort. Myers never lived here. The outpost was used by military personnel during the Seminole Wars, but was occupied and abandoned many times during the following years by settlers in the area.

Southwest Florida was a valuable asset to the Confederacy during the Civil War. It was a major supplier of food for the Confederacy, particularly cattle. During the month of December 1863 it was estimated that over 1,500 head of cattle went through Fort Myers in order to feed the hungry troops. In February 1865 both the North and South claimed victory when the two sides participated in a six-hour battle in Fort Myers, the southern most battle of the war.

In 1875 the US Postal Service wanted the town to be called just Myers because of confusion with Fort Meyer, Virginia. The locals continued to use Fort Myers and eventually in 1901 postal officials gave in.

The early 1900’s brought about drastic change for the area with the arrival of the Atlantic Coast Railroad. The growth continued throughout the century with the construction of a power plant, banks, a commercial ice plant and numerous hotels. More change was welcomed with the arrival of the Seaboard Airline Railway. One major benefit from the new Seaboard Airline Railway was that it linked the Tamiami Trail between Tampa and Fort Myers.

People are drawn to the Fort Myers area for a number of reasons. The great weather, affordable housing and the very good business climate for both employers and employees are just a few. Downtown Fort Myers restaurants and shops are being rejuvenated and the scenic walks and the waterfront park are popular attractions. Outdoor concerts and festivals are held at Centennial Park and manatees are frequently seen when they come to keep warm near the Florida Power and Light Park just east of Fort Myers.