Edison's Vision Transformed Fort Myers into the "City of Palms"

If you’ve ever driven down McGregor Boulevard, you’ve witnessed one of the most iconic landscapes in Florida. It is because of this breathtaking, tree-lined corridor that Fort Myers earned its famous nickname: The City of Palms.

The story begins with the city’s most famous winter resident, Thomas Edison. When Edison first arrived in 1885, Fort Myers was a rough-and-tumble cattle town. He envisioned something more majestic. To beautify the city, Edison imported and planted over 2,000 Royal Palms along McGregor Boulevard. These towering, cement-gray trunks topped with vibrant green fronds transformed the dusty trail into a world-class tropical avenue.

Edison’s vision was contagious. The city continued the tradition, eventually planting thousands more throughout the downtown and residential districts. Today, there are over 75 different species of palms found within the city limits, but the regal Royal Palms remain the crown jewels.

When you stay at Riverfront Retreats at Bay Pointe, you are just minutes away from this historic canopy. Driving beneath these giants isn't just a commute; it’s a journey through the botanical legacy that turned a small riverside outpost into the elegant City of Palms.