Gilmer Heitman House, Fort Myers (must see)
The Gilmer Heitman House, built in 1908, is one of the most historically significant residences in Fort Myers. Designed in the Queen Anne style, the fourteen-room home features a prominent wraparound porch supported by Ionic columns, a rounded southeast corner, and intricate woodwork throughout the interior. Although not open for public tours, the house is frequently included in self-guided walking routes and is situated near the Burroughs Home and Gardens. Today, it serves as a popular waterfront wedding venue, offering scenic views and landscaped grounds.
The house was constructed by Gilmer Heitman, a key figure in Fort Myers鈥� early development. Originally from North Carolina, Heitman arrived in Fort Myers in 1896 to work with his brother Harvie, eventually branching out to establish his own citrus grove. Profits from its sale allowed him to launch the area鈥檚 first telephone service in 1900. He went on to build commercial and residential developments, establish financial institutions, and play a major role in the development of Bonita Springs, including the construction of the Bonita Hotel.
Gilmer Heitman鈥檚 influence extended through multiple leadership roles in the banking, insurance, and real estate sectors across Lee County. Despite his prominence, Heitman and his wife Nina Travers led a relatively quiet domestic life, unlike other local elites such as Thomas Edison. Their home remained in the family for decades, eventually passing to Heitman鈥檚 son, Gilmer Jr. In 2001, the property underwent a significant restoration, and by 2014, it began its current function as a private event venue.
The house was constructed by Gilmer Heitman, a key figure in Fort Myers鈥� early development. Originally from North Carolina, Heitman arrived in Fort Myers in 1896 to work with his brother Harvie, eventually branching out to establish his own citrus grove. Profits from its sale allowed him to launch the area鈥檚 first telephone service in 1900. He went on to build commercial and residential developments, establish financial institutions, and play a major role in the development of Bonita Springs, including the construction of the Bonita Hotel.
Gilmer Heitman鈥檚 influence extended through multiple leadership roles in the banking, insurance, and real estate sectors across Lee County. Despite his prominence, Heitman and his wife Nina Travers led a relatively quiet domestic life, unlike other local elites such as Thomas Edison. Their home remained in the family for decades, eventually passing to Heitman鈥檚 son, Gilmer Jr. In 2001, the property underwent a significant restoration, and by 2014, it began its current function as a private event venue.
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Gilmer Heitman House on Map
Sight Name: Gilmer Heitman House
Sight Location: Fort Myers, USA (See walking tours in Fort Myers)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Fort Myers, USA (See walking tours in Fort Myers)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Fort Myers, Florida
Create Your Own Walk in Fort Myers
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fort Myers is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fort Myers Downtown Walking Tour
Fort Myers, Florida is widely known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to popular islands. The city proudly shares its history as the winter home of inventor Thomas Edison and industrial pioneer Henry Ford. However, the interesting and complicated history of the city goes much further back than the late 19th century.
The area, like much of southeastern Florida, was the home of the Calusa... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
The area, like much of southeastern Florida, was the home of the Calusa... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles