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True Tours: Historic Walking Tours

Gilmer Heitman came to Fort Myers in 1896. He organized the Lee County Telephone company and it went into operation in 1900. Gilmer was instrumental in getting the new post office located in Fort Myers where the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is today.He built the Heitman House in 1908 for his bride Nina Travers. Today that house is a wedding venue and just beautiful. He developed many areas including the Bonita Springs Town Site. In 1935 Gilmer purchased the Franklin Arms Hotel. He also owned orange groves and a cattle ranch.

Come on our tour and learn more about the Heitmans and the history of downtown Fort Myers.

Portrait of Gilmer Heitman
Gilmer Heitman
Historic New Graystone Hotel advertisement
Historic New Graystone Hotel advertisement
Boat in Fort Myers, FL harbor and palm trees
Boat in Fort Myers, FL harbor
60s image of the harbor in Fort Myers
Harbor in Fort Myers
First Street looking East with old time cars
First Street looking East
Roaring 20s image of downtown Fort Myers FL street, cars, and shops
Downtown Fort Myers FL street, cars, and shops
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