Fort Myers - Edison-Ford Complex
The winter homes and estates of two of America's most famous early 20th century industrialists. Thomas Edison first came to Florida in 1885 to improve his health. He bought 14 acres of land and built two connected cottages, one for himself and the other for his business partner Ezra Gilliland. He spent winters here with his family until his death in 1931. Tours of the property visit his house ("Semiole Lodge"), laboratory, workshop, tropical garden and a museum with some of his numerous inventions.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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In total, Edison has nearly 1,100 patents in his name. He is most famous for inventing the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph and the movie camera.
Edison met Henry Ford at a convention in 1896. The two became good friends and Ford bought the adjacent house to Edison's in 1916. Tours of Ford's house "Mangoes" also make stops in his citrus and bamboo garden and the garage with antique Ford automobiles.
Edison met Henry Ford at a convention in 1896. The two became good friends and Ford bought the adjacent house to Edison's in 1916. Tours of Ford's house "Mangoes" also make stops in his citrus and bamboo garden and the garage with antique Ford automobiles.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
Always closed on:
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
Gift shop
Wheelchair loan or rental
Wheelchair loan or rental
Related Attractions
Henry Ford Winter Home
The Ford's winter home, Mangoes has been restored and furnished in the style of the 1920's. Ford bought the home in 1916 because it was close to his good friend, Thomas Edison. The grounds feature citrus, bamboo and other tropical foliage.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
Thomas A. Edison's Winter Home
Edison spent many working vacations at Seminole Lodge from 1886 until his death in 1931. The furnished house, guest house, laboratory and workshops are included in the tours. He cultivated a 14 acre tropical garden which is kept up today.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
