historic walking tour of fort myers

Warning! Groupon tickets are not valid. Please purchase your tickets directly through FareHarbor.

Walking Tours & Ghost Tours in Fort Myers, FL

Private tours are available.

Call for pricing – 239 945 0405   24 hour notice required for cancellations.

Click here to learn more about our 10 Year Anniversary Special Tours!

About true tours.

True Tours walking history tours are a fun and interesting way to learn more about the history and hauntings of Fort Myers, FL. Whether you are interested in learning more about the foundation of our city, our art and architecture, or experience the hauntings of our unrest souls, our Fort Myers walking tours , ghost tours , and sightseeing tours are a must-do!

Our Featured Tours & Hauntings

• Most Popular
• Clock Wed & Sat at 8:00pm
• Tag Hauntings
• Clock 90 Minutes

Haunted History Tour

Whether you’re a believer in the unseen or not, this 90-minute evening-into-night stroll & ghost tour through our historic district is fun for all! Learn some of the documented (as well as the undocumented) history of this peculiar little town. Explore glimpses into the unseen & hear stories of paranormal activity of those who cannot leave the buildings in which they lived…or died.

• Clock Thurs & Sat 10:30 a.m.
• Tag Local History

River District History Tour

On this 90-minute walking tour, you learn your way around not only this charming town but also around the intrigues and rivalries of those who built it. This Fort Myers tour educates and entertains you with narratives of local history, and acquaints you with the colorful personalities of the founders of our city.

• Clock 60 Minutes

Stories of the Stones Cemetery Tour

Every gravestone has a tale Stroll through the historic Buriel Grounds as we introduce the city’s most famous and infamous pioneers.

Certificate of Excellence on TripAdvisor

I go on a haunted tour every time I visit a new city so I’ve been on quite a few tours. I have to say this one was one of the better ones for these reasons… 1. The tour guide wore a personal amp system so everyone could hear him! 2. He was a good storyteller. 3. He kept good track of the group. The stories were good too and I saw a lot of the downtown area. Would definitely recommend! My poor sister hates haunted tours but she even admitted she enjoyed it by the end.

Laurie was a great guide through the haunted corners of Fort Myers! She was well versed in the history of each spot that we visited and kept us engaged throughout the entire tour. Even our teenagers were entertained with her narration of chilling tales. Highly recommend this tour.

The wife loves ghost stuff so we took the kids on this tour. Turned out to be a good time with Laurie. We've been on other ghosts tours in different places but this was one of the better ones.

It was fun to learn about the history of Ft. Myers and Seth our tour guide knew a lot that he shared in an entertaining way. Not too much walking which was good because it was hot, but enough places to stand or sit in the shade so it was really quite comfortable.

We had an excellent time! Very informative about Fort Myers history. Would definitely recommend to families with elementary-aged kids, tweens, and teens. It’s a walking tour and we were provided many opportunities to keep cool/in shade while learning. Would definitely recommend!

Guide was wonderful. Tour was just long enough. Looking forward to the next one. Will try Matlache and women's history

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Find Your Favorite Beach

Atlantic Coast

Beach Camping

Family-Friendly

Places to stay.

Campgrounds

Travel Ideas

Accessible Travel

Eco-Friendly Travel

African American Heritage Travel

More Travel Ideas

Popular links.

Florida Webcams

Toll Roads Info

Travel Guides

Guide to downtown fort myers walking tours.

By Nicole Hutcheson

There are some places that are better experienced by foot than by car. Downtown Fort Myers' historic district is one of those places. The area has the largest concentration of historic structures still standing in all of Southwest Florida.

Clustered within a few miles of each other are historical landmarks like the estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford . And architectural standouts like the Collier Arcade and the Old Lee Company Bank .

It's what makes Fort Myers such a great place for walking tours.

Everything is within walking distance," said Gina Taylor, owner of True Tours , a tour company operating in downtown Fort Myers. "You can park on one side and walk to the other."

For the past seven years True Tours has offered a variety of walking tours of Fort Myers’ downtown historic district. From art history to architecture, and haunted lore, True Tours shows off the best of downtown Fort Myers by foot.

Fort Myers River District

Also known as the River District , Fort Myers' downtown historic core encompasses 540 acres from the Caloosahatchee River to Victoria Avenue and from West First Street to Billy’s Creek. The historic district is broken down into four areas: Dean Park , Edison Park, Downtown, and Seminole Park. These areas along with about two dozen other historic landmarks just outside these zones constitute the official historic downtown area.

Within these districts are a maze of narrow streets, alleyways, courtyards, and brick lined sidewalks flanked with palm trees. Tucked away within that area are an abundance of small boutiques, galleries, theaters, restaurants and cafes. Along with a bunch of shaded places to tuck away for a chat and park benches to catch a rest.

It is a far cry from when Fort Myers was settled in the 1840s as a scrappy military post during the Seminole War. After the war ended, the town would become a farming community. With an optimal river side location Fort Myers soon began a top location for commercial ventures. When the building boom of the early 1900s hit Fort Myers it was no stopping its growth into a residential and vacation spot. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford bought summer estates in the area.

Through the 1920s, the town boomed. But during the depression commerce declined and much of Fort Myers historic gems fell into disrepair.

It was not until the early 1980s the city created the Downtown Redevelopment Agency (DRA) in an effort to combat the decline of the downtown corridor. A special tax was assessed to redevelop the historic area. As a result a resurgence of the area began in the 1990s, and it hasn't slowed yet.

In 2010, Fort Myers history buff Gina Taylor opened True Tours after noticing an increase in visitors to downtown. The town’s combination of restored buildings, signature architecture and historical significance made starting a tour guide agency a good fit. After opening, the public demand prompted Taylor to expand her tours.

"You can't truly experience Fort Myers unless you're walking," she said.

Self-Guided Downtown Fort Myers Walking Tour Maps & Guides

Like True Tours, there are many guided tours in downtown Fort Myers. But you can also download maps and guides online and go on a self-guided walking tour of downtown. A great option is the City Walking Guide and Fieldtrip . You download them onto your phone and pick the tour you’d like to go on.

Another option is to check out artist and writer Tom Hall’s public art tour. The well known Fort Myers resident has compiled a very walkable list of 14 of the city’s most notable public art installations on his well-read blog ArtSWFL.com . The tour starts in Centennial Park at the Fire Dance by David Black sculpture and makes pit stops along the way at art like The Great Turtle Chase statue on Heitman Street and the illuminated Caloosahatchee Manuscript at the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center. This walking tour can go as fast or as slow as you want since it’s self-guided. Go here for a full listing of art to see .

If you want a narrated walking tour, there are a wide variety of tours in Fort Myers to fit your needs.

History buffs will get a well-rounded look at the history of downtown Fort Myers architecture during The River History Tour . This 90-minute narrated walking tour highlights the historically maintained buildings in the district and the colorful people who built them. The tour begins in the heart of downtown at the Franklin Shops on First Street in Historic Downtown Fort Myers.

Crave something a little more macabre?

How about exploring the darker side of downtown Fort Myers during the Haunted History Tour . True Tours guides takes walkers on a stroll at night through the city’s streets and alleys checking out locations that have a reputation of being haunted. Take the First National Bank Building downtown on First Street. Built in 1914, the building has a resident ghost. No wonder it was used in the zombie film Day of the Dead.

Art and music lovers can explore the city by foot with ease.

The River District Alliance offers a monthly Art Walk Tour . Always on the first Friday of the month, this tour showcases the art galleries and exhibitions in downtown Fort Myers and the Gardner's Park area. The Art Walk tours are free to the public from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Many galleries offer special activities during the walk.

Dance, don’t walk through downtown Fort Myers during the monthly Music Walk Tour . Musicians will provide the soundtrack to your walk around downtown Fort Myers playing various genres from jazz to R&B and Blues. The walk takes place every third Friday from 6p.m. to 10 p.m.

Love a good challenge?

Follow the clues during the River Alliance’s Mystery Walk Tour . Held on the second Friday of the month you can explore the historic district core by following carefully laid out clues that will help you move on to the next. This family-friendly event is free. Clues range from Fort Myers’ history, to movies and current events. You’re given a score card and your first clue at registration. You’ll see the beauty of First and Hendry streets during this tour.

Keep the clues going with Fort Myers’ Let's Roam , a scavenger hunt style walking tour. The hunt is designed for a team. Adults and kids are welcomed. Your team will get two hours to complete the hunt. Along the way you’ll see famous Fort Myers’ sites like Centennial Park, Murphy-Burroughs House, and Thomas Edison’s estate.

When near the Edison & Ford Winter Estates' west entrance, see the first Banyan tree planted in the U.S. by Thomas Alva Edison.

- Edison & Ford Winter Estates

A trip to Fort Myers' wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates . Just outside of the downtown core, but still in walking distance, are the summer homes of inventor Thomas Edison and Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford. The homes are adjacent to each other and located along the Caloosahatchee River bank.

The estate provides guided tours providing information about the lives of the men, their families and their bond. During the tour you’ll see the homes, botanical gardens, Edison’s lab and learn some unknown information about his inventions. A tour of the museum is also included.

PLACES TO REMEMBER

Fort Myers Beach

Sanibel Island

Related content.

Offbeat & Extraordinary: 5 Unforgettable Florida Tours

• 4 minute read

A behind-the-scenes candy factory tour at Sweet Pete’s in Jacksonville ends with a custom-made chocolate bar. - Sweet

A Walking Tour of Worth Avenue in Palm Beach

By Steve Winston Addison Mizner, the man who founded Worth Avenue in Palm Beach in the early 1900s, was a lot heavier than Rick Rose. And Rose...

Hollywood History Lives On, Aboard the African Queen

By Carlos Harrison She may be the only real movie star residing in Key Largo. Certainly she’s the only one still reprising her most famous role...

American Ghost Adventures: Not Just a Stroll in the Dark

• 1 minute read

By Lauren Tjaden The difference between a tour with American Ghost Adventures and a tour through a typical haunted house is the difference between a...

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

Historic Walking Tour of Fort Myers

• Walking tour suitable for most people
• Departs from a central downtown location
• Get an insider's perspective from the local guide
• Ideal for visitors and residents alike
• See itinerary
• Local guide
• Entry/Admission - True Tours
• Entry/Admission - Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
• 2200 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA Departure Point: Franklin Shops in downtown Fort Myers Address: 2200 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Dates: Thursday and Saturday Return point: Franklin Shops in downtown Fort Myers
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Florida Repertory Theatre

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 2200 First St 2200 First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA Departure Point: Franklin Shops in downtown Fort Myers Address: 2200 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Dates: Thursday and Saturday Return point: Franklin Shops in downtown Fort Myers See address & details
• 1 True Tours Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 The Franklin Shops Stop: 10 minutes See details Pass by Florida Repertory Theatre
• 3 Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• roblinda429 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun tour This was the 4th time I have done this tour through the years and enjoyed it every time. Our tour guide, Christopher, was very enthusiastic. The tour is more fun rather than scary with a lot of local history thrown in. He has written books on the paranormal and kept it interesting. Read more Written 28 March 2024
• pollhammergott 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Historic Downtown History Tour of Fort Myers. Seth Ford tooks on a tour with four other guests. He was amazing, definately knew his material and since we where only 6 gave us lots more information. He definately should get a star for this tour. Well done Read more Written 27 March 2024
• kwampler17 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ft. Myers Walking Tour Seth led a very fun and informative walk over several blocks of the historical downtown area. He was funny and knew his info extremely well, often working in some personal background. He wore a mike, which was much appreciated by some of us "older" folk and chose shady areas when he wanted us to stop to listen for a spell. The 90 minutes went quickly and I would highly recommend the tour to all who are interested in finding out a little more of the history of the beautiful city of Ft. Myers. Read more Written 19 March 2024
• F5891IOneilc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Know Your Neighborhood We enjoyed our walking tour of Downtown Fort Myers with Seth. He was very entertaining and kept us engaged as we walked the town, learning about all the brave folks who came here to settle in 1850's and on. Seth spoke loud enough, with a mike. Thats a BIG deal to seniors. Learn where many of the streets get their name, and why EDISON, isn't the only important man in this area. Read more Written 16 March 2024
• 715victoriau 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Armchair Tour with Seth Seth presented his Armchair Tour at Fountain Crest Retirement Community today, 3/13. Our group really enjoyed his personal stories, slide and history of Fort Myers and the families that built the town and area. A great way to learn from a local what built this town! Would recommend this to any group, senior independent living group or group looking for a fun personal experience. Read more Written 13 March 2024
• elgoff 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour Guide Seth was an excellent tour guide. I strongly recommend this tour when you visit Fort Myers. I’ve been a snowbird here for 25 years & never took a tour of the historic downtown. It took a guest visiting me to book this tour! Read more Written 9 March 2024
• johnrkorn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fort myers history walk excellent The fort myers history tour was very informative. The tour guide was great and very knowledgeable. He grew up here so had a lot of good stories and history. He also told many jokes and kept it engaging. One of the best town history tours I’ve been on. The tour guide was Seth. Read more Written 24 February 2024
• Betsy H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Ft Myers History I’ve been on this tour before but this one was exceptional…and the reason is …our guide! Amanda was so knowledgeable and interesting. She made the tour not only informative but entertaining. If you decide to do the walking tour of Ft Myers, I hope you’re able to join Amanda for a truly enjoyable time. Read more Written 19 February 2024
• lynnfreeman014 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Walking tour of Historic Fort Myers downtown Our tour guide, Seth, provided a very informative and entertaining experience. He was careful to ensure that the group kept together, so they could hear his stories. The sound system was very effective. Read more Written 10 February 2024
• RandyT989 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time! Had a great time. Tour guide was very knowledgeable of local history and events. She kept everyone engaged and made it very interesting. Read more Written 8 February 2024
• 515joeB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great spooky stories! We had a great time! Jess was our guide. She was lots of fun with an informative presentation given with flair and lots of personality!! Thanks!! Read more Written 25 January 2024
• 228barbw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The way of fort myers! Found some photos were there were unexplainable things ! Which was awsome and very cool to see that there is something there that you just need to look for. Read more Written 31 December 2023
• Lauren S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Book a River District tour with Amanda! Amanda provided a wonderful River District tour. I’ve lived in Fort Myers for over a decade and I really learned a ton on this tour! Amanda was passionate and did not hesitate to answer any questions the group asked. I would do this tour again! Read more Written 31 December 2023
• brycet848 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Haunted History Walking Tour We had Jess as our guide. She was very funny, engaging, and knowledgeable of the history of Fort Myers. Would highly recommend. Read more Written 27 December 2023
• kellylX783MK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great history and great tour guide The history wrapped into the tour was so awesome. 👏🏻 It was great learning from Jess and we caught a bunch of orbs that were different colors based on the person taking the picture. This tour has me reviewing all of my pictures… wild! Read more Written 20 December 2023

More to explore in Fort Myers

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Historic Walking Tour of Fort Myers provided by True Tours

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Earn onekeycash when you sign in and book an activity.

Check availability

• About this activity

Historic Walking Tour of Fort Myers

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation

Soak in the sun and the entertaining history about the city of Fort Myers on this 1.5-hour walking tour. Stroll through and enjoy learning about the town's founders and how they grew from a frontier fort to a city that has become an international destination for sun-seekers.  Acquaint yourself with their colorful personalities and the city of Fort Myers on this charming tour.

Activity location

• Fort Myers, Florida, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 2200 First Street
• 33901, Fort Myers, Florida, United States
• Thu, Apr 4 -
• Fri, Apr 5 -
• Sat, Apr 6 $21
• Sun, Apr 7 -
• Mon, Apr 8 -
• Tue, Apr 9 -
• Wed, Apr 10 -
• Thu, Apr 11 $21
• Fri, Apr 12 -
• Sat, Apr 13 $21
• Sun, Apr 14 -
• Mon, Apr 15 -
• Tue, Apr 16 -
• Wed, Apr 17 -
• Thu, Apr 18 -
• Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes 1h 30m 1h 30m

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Local guide
• What's excluded What's excluded Gratuities

Know before you book

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

• Admission ticket included

The Franklin Shops

Florida repertory theatre (pass by), sidney & berne davis art center.

• Admission ticket not included

Best Deals on Things to Do

Top experiences in fort myers.

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

True Tours Historical Walking Tours

Type: Tours and Excursions

Last updated on April 12, 2022

10Best Says

2200 First Street Fort Myers, FL 33901

(239-945-0405

EXPERT TIPS BY: Gina Birch Fort Myers Local Expert

• Tours and Excursions : "Walking tours of the fishing/art village of Matlacha are occasionally added to the calendar"
• Things to Do in Fall : "Walking tours of the fishing/art village of Matlacha are occasionally added to the calendar this time of year"
• Best for Tours and Excursions Because: The tours offered are educational and fun, connecting the historical dots with a dose of downtown folklore.
• Best for Things to Do in Fall Because: This walking tour of downtown Fort Myers not only reveals the area's history but also its paranormal activity.

things to do

restaurants

Explore Fort Myers

Upload a photo.

Please only upload images that are under 8 megabytes and at least 990x660 pixels in size.

May we recommend

Live webcams, #myfortmyers moments, plan your trip, digital visitor guide, our past is still present, fort myers historic attractions.

The heritage and wealth of history that have made Southwest Florida the unique place it is today goes well beyond limited beach development and conservation. The result is a rich and vibrant past on full display in our many historic inns, galleries and museums.

Every historical trek starts in  Fort Myers , walking in the footsteps of the American icons who once loved this area so dearly. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, good friends Henry Ford and Thomas Edison sought reprieve from northern winters in their grand  Fort Myers estates . Today, you can spend a serene afternoon touring these well-maintained properties and their surrounding acres of intricate gardens, including many species originally planted by Edison himself.

Many centuries before Edison and Ford wintered along the  Caloosahatchee River , the Calusa Indians made this land their home, utilizing the favorable climate and abundant natural resources to thrive and prosper.

One great place to learn about the intricacies of Native American life in the area is the Museum of the Islands. Or better yet, explore the remains of an actual Calusa Village during a guided tour of the  Calusa Heritage Trail  nearby on Pine Island. You can visit the  Mound House  on Fort Myers Beach to learn about the customs of the Calusa indians who lived on this unique archaeological site that sits atop a 2,000 year-old shell mound.

Related Listings

Adventure sea kayak.

Conducting Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board tours and rentals year round from Tween Waters Inn Marina 15951 Captiva Dr. since 1985

Koreshan State Park

Strolling through the Koreshan Unity Settlement, a nationally registered historic district, offers an opportunity to learn about

Show us your good days and we'll show you more! Share your favorite memories with hashtag #MyFortMyers .

@michaelameetsworld

@mustdoflorida

@midwestlivingmag

@darocha_julia

Newsletter Sign Up

Cultural & Theme Tours

• Tours & Sightseeing
• Walking & Biking Tours

Are you interested in?

Popular Attractions

13 Attractions

Top Fort Myers Tours

107 Tours & Activities

3 Tours & Activities

Historic Walking Tour of Fort Myers

• Text Message

Fort Myers Tours

• All Fort Myers Tours
• Sports Lessons
• Surfing Lessons
• Airboat Tours
• Catamaran Cruises
• Day Cruises
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Sailing Trips
• Sunset Cruises
• Ghost & Vampire Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Day Trips & Excursions
• Kid Friendly Tours & Activities
• Luxury Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Adrenaline & Extreme
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Hiking & Camping
• Nature & Wildlife
• Private Sightseeing Tours
• Shopping Tours
• Port Transfers
• Ports of Call Tours
• Bus & Minivan Tours
• Escape Games
• Full-day Tours
• Fun and Games
• Half-day Tours
• Photography Tours
• Self-guided Tours & Rentals
• Trolley Tours
• Airport & Ground Transfers
• Airport Services
• Private Drivers
• Water Transfers
• Unique Experiences
• Walking Tours
• Boat Rentals
• Jet Boats & Speed Boats
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Parasailing
• Stand Up Paddleboarding
• Water Equipment
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Weddings & Honeymoons

Attractions

• Things to do in Fort Myers
• Fort Myers Beach
• J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
• Edison and Ford Winter Estates
• Sanibel Island
• Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Manatee Park
• Burroughs Home & Gardens
• Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
• Family-friendly things to do in Fort Myers.
• Senior-friendly tours, activities and things to do in Fort Myers
• The Top 10 Fort Myers Tours and Activities of 2024
• The best tours and activities for culture lovers in Fort Myers
• Things to do in Fort Myers this summer
• Top Day Trips from Fort Myers
• Fort Myers Event Calendar
• Good Friday in Fort Myers
• Easter in Fort Myers
• Memorial Day Weekend in Fort Myers
• Cinco De Mayo in Fort Myers
• Juneteenth in Fort Myers
• 4th of July in Fort Myers
• Labor Day in Fort Myers
• Halloween in Fort Myers
• Thanksgiving in Fort Myers
• Veteran's Day in Fort Myers
• New Year’s Day long weekend in Fort Myers
• New Year’s Eve in Fort Myers
• Hanukkah in Fort Myers
• MLK Day in Fort Myers
• President's Day in Fort Myers
• Valentine's Day in Fort Myers
• St. Patrick's Day in Fort Myers

Soak in the sun and the entertaining history about the city of Fort Myers on this 1.5-hour walking tour. Stroll through and enjoy learning about the town's founders and how they grew from a frontier fort to a city that has become an international destination for sun-seekers.  Acquaint yourself with their colorful personalities and the city of Fort Myers on this charming tour.

Description

Stop At: True Tours, Fort Myers, Florida

Delight in the fascinating facts and poignant anecdotes of your local guide while you amble down the historic avenues of Fort Myers. Listen to the comical stories of the town's founding fathers and their ambitions. Follow your guide as you learn about the first settlements and the original fort, along with their personal insight into the legacies of iconic figures that turned Fort Myers into a haven for its residents. Take a break on benches and enjoy several shady spots along the way. Admire the tenacity and stubbornness of the founders on this delightful and personable walking tour of Fort Myers.

Meet your professional guide at 10:30am for this 1.5-hour tour at the Franklin Shops, located at 2200 First Street in downtown Fort Myers. Discover the history of this revitalized frontier fort as you stroll through the beautiful streets.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: The Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, Fort Myers, Florida 33901

2200 First Street

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 1st St, GPS: 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901, Fort Myers, Florida 33901

We stop and briefly discuss the history of the theater

Stop At: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Fort Myers, Florida 33901

Stop and discuss the history of the center. Historic building built in 1933.

• Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
• Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
• Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (Approx.)
• Departure Time: 10:30 AM
• Return Details: Returns to original departure point

What's Included

• Local guide

What To Bring

• Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
• Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 128 traveler reviews collected by City Baloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Call Us , " data-help-center="text-us"> Text Us , or Live Chat to speak with a Destination Specialist Product code: C-36657P1

Similar Tours & Activities

Scavenger Hunt in Fort Myers by Crazy Dash

Single Kayak Rental on Big Hickory Pass

Half Day Kayak or SUP Rental (3hr) - Pelican Bay

Travelers who bought this tour also bought.

Parasailing Adventure on Fort Myers Beach (400 Foot Flight)

Guided Kayak Eco Tour - Bunche Beach

Haunted History of Fort Myers Walking Tour

Free cancellation, log in or sign up, welcome to city baloon tours.

Log in to add things to your wishlist and access your bookings from any device.

Let's try that again

By selecting Agree and continue , I agree to Cool Destinations’s Terms of Service , Payments Terms of Service , and Nondiscrimination Policy and acknowledge the Privacy Policy .

Cool Destinations will send you members-only deals, inspiration, marketing emails, and push notifications. You can opt out of receiving these at any time in your account settings or directly from the marketing notification.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

City Baloon Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Baloon Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Accessibility

Accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation, accessibility statement.

• cityballoontours.com
• April 4, 2024

Compliance status

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation.

• Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
• Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

• Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
• Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
• Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
• ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
• Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
• Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

• Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
• Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring options.
• Animations – epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
• Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
• Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
• Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
• Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

Notes, comments, and feedback.

• ARTS & MUSEUMS
• EDUCATIONAL
• Share / Invite
• Download PDF
• Email Collection

Error report has been sent successfully.

We will review your submission and make any necessary updates.

If you're a band, promotor, venue, or artist representative,

Consider becoming one of our verified users!

- speed up the creation process

- Add multiple events and artist at once

- Skip the holding period and publish automatically

Historic Walking Tour Of Fort Myers

Please Wait...

Similar Events

• Things to do in Fort Myers

Fort Myers Tours

Cultural & Theme Tours

• Tours & Sightseeing
• Walking & Biking Tours

Are you interested in?

Popular Attractions

13 Attractions

Top Fort Myers Tours

107 Tours & Activities

3 Tours & Activities

Historic Walking Tour of Fort Myers

• Text Message
• All Fort Myers Tours
• Sports Lessons
• Surfing Lessons
• Airboat Tours
• Catamaran Cruises
• Day Cruises
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Sailing Trips
• Sunset Cruises
• Ghost & Vampire Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Day Trips & Excursions
• Kid Friendly Tours & Activities
• Luxury Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• Adrenaline & Extreme
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Hiking & Camping
• Nature & Wildlife
• Private Sightseeing Tours
• Shopping Tours
• Port Transfers
• Ports of Call Tours
• Bus & Minivan Tours
• Escape Games
• Full-day Tours
• Fun and Games
• Half-day Tours
• Photography Tours
• Self-guided Tours & Rentals
• Trolley Tours
• Airport & Ground Transfers
• Airport Services
• Private Drivers
• Water Transfers
• Unique Experiences
• Walking Tours
• Boat Rentals
• Jet Boats & Speed Boats
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Parasailing
• Stand Up Paddleboarding
• Water Equipment
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Weddings & Honeymoons

Attractions

• Fort Myers Beach
• J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
• Edison and Ford Winter Estates
• Sanibel Island
• Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Manatee Park
• Burroughs Home & Gardens
• Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
• Family-friendly things to do in Fort Myers.
• Senior-friendly tours, activities and things to do in Fort Myers
• The Top 10 Fort Myers Tours and Activities of 2024
• The best tours and activities for culture lovers in Fort Myers
• Things to do in Fort Myers this summer
• Top Day Trips from Fort Myers
• Fort Myers Event Calendar
• Good Friday in Fort Myers
• Easter in Fort Myers
• Memorial Day Weekend in Fort Myers
• Cinco De Mayo in Fort Myers
• Juneteenth in Fort Myers
• 4th of July in Fort Myers
• Labor Day in Fort Myers
• Halloween in Fort Myers
• Thanksgiving in Fort Myers
• Veteran's Day in Fort Myers
• New Year’s Day long weekend in Fort Myers
• New Year’s Eve in Fort Myers
• Hanukkah in Fort Myers
• MLK Day in Fort Myers
• President's Day in Fort Myers
• Valentine's Day in Fort Myers
• St. Patrick's Day in Fort Myers

Soak in the sun and the entertaining history about the city of Fort Myers on this 1.5-hour walking tour. Stroll through and enjoy learning about the town's founders and how they grew from a frontier fort to a city that has become an international destination for sun-seekers.  Acquaint yourself with their colorful personalities and the city of Fort Myers on this charming tour.

Description

Stop At: True Tours, Fort Myers, Florida

Delight in the fascinating facts and poignant anecdotes of your local guide while you amble down the historic avenues of Fort Myers. Listen to the comical stories of the town's founding fathers and their ambitions. Follow your guide as you learn about the first settlements and the original fort, along with their personal insight into the legacies of iconic figures that turned Fort Myers into a haven for its residents. Take a break on benches and enjoy several shady spots along the way. Admire the tenacity and stubbornness of the founders on this delightful and personable walking tour of Fort Myers.

Meet your professional guide at 10:30am for this 1.5-hour tour at the Franklin Shops, located at 2200 First Street in downtown Fort Myers. Discover the history of this revitalized frontier fort as you stroll through the beautiful streets.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: The Franklin Shops, 2200 1st St, Fort Myers, Florida 33901

2200 First Street

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Florida Repertory Theatre, 2267 1st St, GPS: 2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901, Fort Myers, Florida 33901

We stop and briefly discuss the history of the theater

Stop At: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 1st St, Fort Myers, Florida 33901

Stop and discuss the history of the center. Historic building built in 1933.

• Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
• Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
• Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (Approx.)
• Departure Time: 10:30 AM
• Return Details: Returns to original departure point

What's Included

• Local guide

What To Bring

• Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
• Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 128 traveler reviews collected by Cool Everglades and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Call Us , " data-help-center="text-us"> Text Us , or Live Chat to speak with a Destination Specialist Product code: C-36657P1

Similar Tours & Activities

Scavenger Hunt in Fort Myers by Crazy Dash

Private Professional Holiday Photoshoot in Fort Myers

Half Day Kayak or SUP Rental (3hr) - Bunche Beach

Travelers who bought this tour also bought.

Parasailing Adventure on Fort Myers Beach (400 Foot Flight)

Guided Kayak Eco Tour - Bunche Beach

Haunted History of Fort Myers Walking Tour

Popular fort myers searches.

• Top Rated Fort Myers Tours
• Kid-Friendly Fort Myers Tours
• Fort Myers Tours & Activities with Instant Confirmation
• Fort Myers Tours with Hotel Pickup
• Fort Myers Tours with Free Cancellation
• Fort Myers Tours with Perfect 5-Star ratings
• Fort Myers Tours up to 1 Hour
• Fort Myers Tours 1-4 Hours
• Fort Myers Tours 4 Hours to 1 Day
• Fort Myers Tours with Over 100 Reviews
• Fort Myers Tours with Over 250 Reviews
• Fort Myers Tours with Over 500 Reviews
• Fort Myers Tours Under $50
• Fort Myers Tours $50 - $100
• Fort Myers Tours $100 - $250
• Fort Myers Tours Over $250
• Fort Myers Tours Likely to Sell Out
• New to Our Site

Free cancellation

Log in or sign up, welcome to cool everglades.

Log in to add things to your wishlist and access your bookings from any device.

Let's try that again

By selecting Agree and continue , I agree to Cool Destinations’s Terms of Service , Payments Terms of Service , and Nondiscrimination Policy and acknowledge the Privacy Policy .

Cool Destinations will send you members-only deals, inspiration, marketing emails, and push notifications. You can opt out of receiving these at any time in your account settings or directly from the marketing notification.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Cool Everglades wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Everglades over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Accessibility

Accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation, accessibility statement.

• cooleverglades.com
• April 4, 2024

Compliance status

Screen-reader and keyboard navigation.

• Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.
• Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Disability profiles supported in our website

• Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
• Visually Impaired Mode: this mode adjusts the website for the convenience of users with visual impairments such as Degrading Eyesight, Tunnel Vision, Cataract, Glaucoma, and others.
• Cognitive Disability Mode: this mode provides different assistive options to help users with cognitive impairments such as Dyslexia, Autism, CVA, and others, to focus on the essential elements of the website more easily.
• ADHD Friendly Mode: this mode helps users with ADHD and Neurodevelopmental disorders to read, browse, and focus on the main website elements more easily while significantly reducing distractions.
• Blindness Mode: this mode configures the website to be compatible with screen-readers such as JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and TalkBack. A screen-reader is software for blind users that is installed on a computer and smartphone, and websites must be compatible with it.
• Keyboard Navigation Profile (Motor-Impaired): this profile enables motor-impaired persons to operate the website using the keyboard Tab, Shift+Tab, and the Enter keys. Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

Additional UI, design, and readability adjustments

• Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
• Color adjustments – users can select various color contrast profiles such as light, dark, inverted, and monochrome. Additionally, users can swap color schemes of titles, texts, and backgrounds, with over 7 different coloring options.
• Animations – epileptic users can stop all running animations with the click of a button. Animations controlled by the interface include videos, GIFs, and CSS flashing transitions.
• Content highlighting – users can choose to emphasize important elements such as links and titles. They can also choose to highlight focused or hovered elements only.
• Audio muting – users with hearing devices may experience headaches or other issues due to automatic audio playing. This option lets users mute the entire website instantly.
• Cognitive disorders – we utilize a search engine that is linked to Wikipedia and Wiktionary, allowing people with cognitive disorders to decipher meanings of phrases, initials, slang, and others.
• Additional functions – we provide users the option to change cursor color and size, use a printing mode, enable a virtual keyboard, and many other functions.

Browser and assistive technology compatibility

Notes, comments, and feedback.

Working against historical currents to connect Hanover and York

By the end of the 2020s, well more than 40 new cultural and historical projects will stand in York County, some as part of an array of anniversaries of major events in national or county history.

The other day, I was clicking through a list of these projects – the Yorktowne Hotel’s restoration – and anniversaries – the 250th of the adoption of the Articles of Confederation – with members of an OLLI at Penn State York class.

As I was teaching the class, we kept hitting on Hanover-area projects — the expanding Hanover Trolley Trail and the restored McAllister Hotel, for example. So we paused for a bit to reflect on what was going on in Hanover and how many in the York area seemed to be discovering Hanover. And vice versa.

One class member pointed to the impact one Hanover-area group, the Warehime Foundation, had in providing grant money for the new Bell Family Shelter going in on York’s South George Street in the old Red Cross building.

That conversation caused me to think after the class about the community-shaping projects going on in the southwestern corner of York County, the longtime divide between Hanover and the York area and whether that gap is narrowing.

Then two other developments piled on those projects, prompting me to write about all of this. First, Greer’s Burger Garage opened a major eatery in downtown Hanover. The company also operates another Greer’s and Taqueria El Camino in Dover, so here we have a service enterprise bridging the two regions. And its owner, Ethan Greer, is from Spring Grove, midway between York and Hanover.

And then came the news that Justine Trucksess, Main Street Hanover’s executive director, is leaving to take a position with Pennsylvania Downtown Center. For the past nine years, Trucksess has been involved with many projects now on the 2020s list, and as hard as it is for a community to lose a leader of that caliber, it’s good to have local people in high places in Harrisburg.

So it’s time to update the historical and cultural projects going on in Hanover.

To understand what these Hanover projects and the York area’s awakening interest in them — and the other way, too — one must understand a bit of history about why this is even a thing in the first place.

Regional differences emerge

A rift between the two York County regions has been present from the earliest days of settlement west of the Susquehanna River.

Settlers in the York area largely came via Philadelphia and stayed on the river’s west bank under warrants from the Penns. They were largely Protestants. Much Hanover-area settlement initially came on land granted from Lord Baltimore of Maryland to John Digges, a Roman Catholic. Differences between the Penns and Calverts over the Pennsylvania/Maryland boundary translated into animus in the region. Hanover gained a reputation as a “Rogue’s Resort” because criminals in that distant land took advantage in regard to whose sheriff — the one with a Pennsylvania or a Maryland badge — they needed to heed.

Not that a sheriff had much presence in those parts. Before 1749 when York split from Lancaster, Lancaster’s court system was a long way from York, with a river in between. Any sheriff’s deputy would need an extra day’s journey to find Hanover, 20 miles deeper into the wilderness.

As the years passed, York, at least, was on a fairly straight line to Lancaster and county seats to the west — Gettysburg and Chambersburg — and north — Carlisle and Harrisburg. Then and now, it’s hard for someone traveling from Hanover to Wrightsville and then Philadelphia to get there. Might as well do business in Baltimore. 

The differences — or perhaps indifferences — between the regions became so great in the 1830s that petitions for a county named after then-President Andrew Jackson were filed in Pennsylvania’s Legislature.

“The proposal was considered seriously enough several times to go to a legislative committee,” historian June Burk Lloyd wrote about the proposed Jackson County.

In 2022, Hanover-area resident Andrew Smith noted in an interview that both towns have held on to outdated, harmful stereotypes toward the other. Hanover clings to unjustified safety concerns about downtown York. York-area folks believe Hanover is so small as to offer little not available in York.

He has not seen much change in the past two years.

That’s a small sample, of course, when you cover history going back 300 years.

Not that Smith has stood around admiring the problem. He perhaps has done more than any other private individual to bridge the regions, particularly in the creatives arena. For example, he curates art exhibits at the former Hanover post office, regularly bringing creatives from the region, including the York area, to the post-office-turned-art-gallery in downtown Hanover.

In his initial report of York County in 1996, urban planner David Rusk separately designated York/Hanover and Central York regions, among the county’s four regions. He thereby recognized Hanover as a different challenge for regionalization, but grouped Hanover and York in one of the regions because of the potential synergies. Smith and many others are at ground zero in building those Hanover/York links.

Perhaps this is a good time to share a working list of 2020s Hanover cultural/historical projects to give a sense of the activity in that region.

• The Hanover Area Historical Society opened a museum in the carriage house of the Warehime-Myers Mansion, the organization’s headquarters and where it hosts regular events. Further, the historical organization, Hanover’s Mount Olivet Cemetery and other community organizations are reaching out to York-area social media audiences, a best practice not done in the past.
• The first phase of the Heart of Hanover Trails wayside markers is completed, offering a walking tour of historical sites and stories from the borough’s past.
• Hanover’s McAllister Hotel has been developed into market-rate apartments, with a fine dining restaurant (McAllister’s on York) and coffee shop (Britton Coffee Co.) Britton Coffee also has shops in West Manheim Township, south of Hanover, and McSherrystown.
• An operations analysis and capital needs assessment of the Hanover Market House is underway as a step toward improvements in this covered market built in 1933.
• Two stretches of about 2 miles each on the Hanover Trolley Trail are open. More are planned using rail rights of way between Hanover and York. York County Trail Towns completed a study exploring a link between the Hanover Trolley Trail to downtown Hanover. Hanover now is a member of the York County Trail Towns program to prepare for the further build out of the trolley trail. 
• Plans are being sought for possible reuse of the long-closed Hanover (State) Theater, now under the ownership of the Hanover Economic Development Corp.
• The Gallery at the Old Post Office’s regularly changing exhibits draw artists and other art lovers to the borough.
• Hanover borough has finished a parks, open space and recreation plan as well as a streetscape plan.
•  The former downtown Montgomery Ward has been redeveloped as Plaza 34, hosting 16 apartments on the second floor and street-level retail space. 
• The extension and enhancement of broadband infrastructure countywide, including free public wireless networks in the York city and Hanover metro areas, is underway. This fiber initiative’s first feeder site antenna is being installed in Hanover, and street-level pole links are scheduled later this spring. The goal is to have the network in service in Hanover by year’s end.

Bridging two regions

The York County Economic Alliance’s Silas Chamberlin is not a believer in the York and Hanover divide.

“Perhaps because I am in Hanover so often and get to see all the good things happening there,” he said.

He provided numbers that show the Economic Alliance’s investment in Hanover: grants, loans and private funding. The countywide organization has facilitated $16.3 million in funding and leveraged an additional $7.9 million in private capital for a total of $24.2 million in the past three years. That’s just YCEA’s involvement, he said, dozens of other community partners have invested much more.

He sees great opportunities in communities across the county. “But the relatively unique thing about Hanover is that we’re in a moment when so many of the right people are in the right places to help make good things happen,” he said.

Foundations, a product of philanthropic generosity from the past and present, are funding projects well beyond their home communities.

The Warehime Foundation of Hanover and Powder Mill Foundation and many others, for example,  provided high-level financial support for both the Yorktowne Hotel and the Hanover Trolley Trail, he said. Both foundations also gave significant grants to Ruins Hall, a growing entertainment venue, in Glen Rock.

“Even if each foundation has a clear geographic focus,” he said, “they have proven a commitment to projects of regional significance, knowing that what is good for York County is good for their home communities.” 

He views both downtowns as “fantastic.”

“Both have dedicated people working to make each community better,” he said. “In fact, many of us are working to make both communities better — and it’s working!” 

Sources: YDR files, June Burke Lloyd’s Universal York blog, Hanover Evening Sun files

Upcoming presentations

Jim McClure will be giving the following presentations: “When U.S. Presidents Visited York County,” 7:30 p.m. April 10, Stewartstown United Methodist Church; “If These Walls Could Talk, Yorktowne Hotel,” 12:30 p.m. April 14, Friends of the York County History Center luncheon; "When United States Presidents Visited York County, and Why," April 15, OLLI at Penn State York; “York County’s Reaction to Fort Sumter and the Beginning of the Civil War,” 7 p.m. April 17, York Civil War Round Table; "1960s in York County: How This Tumultuous Decade Shaped Our Communities Today," May 13, OLLI at Penn State York.

Jim McClure is a retired editor of the York Daily Record and has authored or co-authored nine books on York County history. Reach him at [email protected] .