Indigenous Roots and Early Inhabitants
Long before European explorers arrived, the Fort Myers region was inhabited by the Calusa, one of Florida’s most complex pre-Columbian societies. The Calusa thrived along the Southwest Florida coast, exploiting estuaries, rivers, and coastal ecosystems for fishing, shellfish harvesting, and small-scale horticulture. Their society was highly organized, with sophisticated shell mounds, canals, and ceremonial centers that demonstrated advanced engineering and social structure.
Archaeological evidence, including tools, pottery, and shell works along the Caloosahatchee River, provides insight into the Calusa’s complex social and economic systems. Their mastery of watercraft and resource management allowed them to sustain large populations in what is now Fort Myers for centuries, establishing a cultural foundation that European settlers would later encounter. shutdown123