Thomas Edison purchased his new property in 1885, made a pencil sketch of how he envisioned the estate, and gave it to an architect. One year later, he returned with a new bride and the Edison family enjoyed leisurely stays here until 1947, when Mina Miller Edison deeded the property to the City of Fort Myers for $1.
A laboratory was completed in 1928 to support their collaboration of producing and manufacturing of natural rubber.
On the property are the original summer estates of both families, their caretaker's cottages, swimming pool and bath house, Edison Pier, lily pond, mango trees, orchids, laboratory, and museum.