The Estero Historical Society’s mission is to learn, teach AND PRESERVE the history of Estero. By our continuing efforts, we hope to secure a rich historical legacy for future generations and a strong sense of community identity. The Estero Historical Society it located on the property of the Estero Recreation and Community Center. They hold numerous events throughout the year and their website offers information on different parts of Estero’s history and community including the History of Estero itself:
“In Early Estero, author Quentin Quesnell wrote that when the Spanish came to Mound Key near the mouth of the Estero River in 1567, they found the thriving capitol of the native Calusa Indians. By the 1700’s, the dwindling Calusa had fled to Key West, then Cuba, leaving the area to Cuban fisherman, outlaws and pirates.
Around 1850, Army records show that most of the coastal mainland was under 3 to 12 inches of
water. Once the water table was lowered, the first homesteaders arrived. In 1882, German born Gustave Damkoehler after living in Australia and Missouri brought his young family to the banks of the Estero River to grow silk worms and raise honey bees. The 1885 census showed nine families in the area. Frank and Mary (Whitten) Johnson officially registered Mound Key as their homestead in 1891. Archeologist Frank Hamilton Cushing described the shell mounds there and on the mainland near the river in 1895.”
Currently, The Estero Historical Society is raising funds for the restoration and preservation of the
1904 Estero Creek Schoolhouse. The Estero Historical Society continues to work hard, making and selling Edith Trebell’s Mango Chutney, selling books, maps and other items, but we need others to partner with us to make the dream come true. You can support through buying a memorial brick, commemorating or recognizing the contribution of those special in your lives to be laid at the Estero Historical House. The order forms can be downloaded and printed at their website.
A membership can be purchased for as minimal as $20 a year! Please consider supporting one of Estero’s vital organizations and get involved!
“In Early Estero, author Quentin Quesnell wrote that when the Spanish came to Mound Key near the mouth of the Estero River in 1567, they found the thriving capitol of the native Calusa Indians. By the 1700’s, the dwindling Calusa had fled to Key West, then Cuba, leaving the area to Cuban fisherman, outlaws and pirates.
Around 1850, Army records show that most of the coastal mainland was under 3 to 12 inches of
water. Once the water table was lowered, the first homesteaders arrived. In 1882, German born Gustave Damkoehler after living in Australia and Missouri brought his young family to the banks of the Estero River to grow silk worms and raise honey bees. The 1885 census showed nine families in the area. Frank and Mary (Whitten) Johnson officially registered Mound Key as their homestead in 1891. Archeologist Frank Hamilton Cushing described the shell mounds there and on the mainland near the river in 1895.”
Currently, The Estero Historical Society is raising funds for the restoration and preservation of the
1904 Estero Creek Schoolhouse. The Estero Historical Society continues to work hard, making and selling Edith Trebell’s Mango Chutney, selling books, maps and other items, but we need others to partner with us to make the dream come true. You can support through buying a memorial brick, commemorating or recognizing the contribution of those special in your lives to be laid at the Estero Historical House. The order forms can be downloaded and printed at their website.
A membership can be purchased for as minimal as $20 a year! Please consider supporting one of Estero’s vital organizations and get involved!