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Lee
County Page 1 of 6 |
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Alva,
Inc |
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Alva is the oldest settlement in Lee County. It was named after
a small white flower that some of the first settlers in this area
observed growing near the Caloosahatchee River. Today, some
citizens of Alva are opposed to proposed plans to widen CR 78 and
change the rural character of the area. High density developments
also are proposed for this area, and discussions are ongoing (This
website is unofficial but reflects the views of some Alva residents
who hold monthly meetings at the Alva Community Center:)
www.alvafl.org |
Koreshan
State Park |
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Home
to many historic buildings and gardens related to use of the area
by the Koreshan religious society, now managed by a group called the
Koreshan Unity Alliance, in coordination with the Lee County Historic
Preservation floridastateparks.org/koreshan/
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Lovers
Key
State Park |
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Fort
Myers Beach; There are no known archaeological sites on this
site, and much of it has been filled in recently to allow for visitation
from the public. floridastateparks.org/loverskey/default |
Cayo
Costa
State Park |
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A
shell mound is clearly visible north of the campsite area, off the
main trail. No signs interpret this feature, and it is quite covered
with vegetation.
floridastateparks.org/cayocosta/ |
Great
Calusa Blueway |
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Paddling
trails and maps. An annual festival takes place which highlights
all of the sites along the trail (including the Calusa Heritage Trail,
which is near my office and managed by the Randell Research Center).
Trail maps and suggested stops are found online. greatcalusablueway.com/ |
Ding
Darling National
Wildlife Refuge |
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Sanibel - Some
shell mounds are visible on the trail but they are not maintained,
and vegetation is thick, so they are difficult to see. Guided tours
of the trail are not available. However, a nice timeline in the visitors
center provides some context for the history of Sanibel Island.
fws.gov/dingdarling/ |
Boca
Grande Historical Society |
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Boca Grande bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com/ |
Randell
Research Center & the Calusa Heritage Trail
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Pineland -Home to the Calusa Heritage Trail, which
extends through an ancient archaeological site on Pine Island Sound.
The site boasts an interpretive trail and numerous shell mounds. A
canal excavated by hand prior to Spanish contact also can be seen
here, although it is no longer navigable. A gift shop, restrooms,
and several picnic areas also are available. A recently completed
classroom building complete with chairs and AV equipment also is at
the site, and several programs for the public have already taken place.
This classroom also is where many guided tours begin, and some artifacts
and replicas often are on informal display. flmnh.ufl.edu/rrc/ |
Calusa
Land Trust |
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This
group focuses on acquiring lands for conservation all over Pine Island.
They have monthly meetings at Pine Island Center, and also make an
effort to manage all acquired lands, by keeping after vegetation and
monitoring landscape changes. This group is also active in speaking
to county commissioners, in favor of signage that will attract visitors
to Pine Island’s conserved lands. calusalandtrust.org/
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Sanibel
and Captiva |
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floridahistory.org/westcoastfla/sanibel
An unofficial website with information about historic landmarks on
both islands. |
Fort
Myers Historical Museum |
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Fort Myers, at 200 Peck Street; city supported museum
showcasing the history of the area; traveling exhibits also are featured.
cityftmyers.com/museum/index |
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Thanks
to M. C. Bob Leonard, Professor of History, Hillsborough Community
College for information from unofficial websites. |
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