Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Fort Myers, Florida, United States

---

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Florida, are the historic winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, two of America’s most influential inventors and industrialists.

Edison first purchased the property in 1885 and built his home, Seminole Lodge, on one of Florida’s highest points, where he conducted extensive botanical research including experiments to domesticate rubber-producing plants. Henry Ford, a close friend and admirer, bought the adjacent property known as "The Mangoes" in 1916, which became his winter retreat.

These estates, now comprising about 20 acres, include meticulously preserved homes, lush gardens with rare and exotic plants, the 1928 Edison Botanic Research Laboratory, and an inventions museum showcasing numerous patents and artifacts. The estates have been open to the public since the mid-20th century and offer tours that provide insight into the innovations and friendship of Edison and Ford as well as their impact on technology and horticulture.

The site is also a National Historic Landmark and features beautiful gardens designed in part by prominent landscape architects, making it both a cultural and natural attraction.​​