Bridging the Past and the Future of Fort Myers
January 22, 2016
On Thomas Edison’s final birthday, February 11, 1931, a ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of a newly constructed bridge named in his honor. Spanning the Caloosahatchee River, the structure acknowledged the famed inventor’s place in Fort Myers’ history. A group of local girls dressed in white escorted Edison’s car to the bridge opening from his home. Florida Governor, Doyle E. Carlton and Mayor of Fort Myers, Josiah Fitch delivered short speeches. Mayor Fitch, echoing the sentiments of many in the crowd, proclaimed: “Today we are touching a high spot in the history of Fort Myers. Whatever efforts we make here today to honor Mr. Edison will fall short of his honor to us.”
With a whoop, Thomas Edison untied the green and orange ribbon, officially opening the Edison Bridge.
