Lee County Islands

When Ponce de Leon visited Southwest Florida in 1513, he discovered some of North Americas most pristine tropical islands. Yet it was here where the explorer met his death at the hands of Calusa Indians who had made their home on the islands since 500 bc. Remaining relatively isolated from mainland society until the mid-1900s, the islands were home to a few hardscrabble pioneers who endured stifling heat, swarming mosquitoes, and deadly storms. Famous anglers such as Thomas Edison, Zane Grey, and Teddy Roosevelt enjoyed stalking the elusive tarpon in this sports fishing paradise. Likewise, the pervasive solitude inspired writers, including Edna St. Vincent Millay, Mary Roberts Rinehart, and Richard Powell. Home to some of the worlds best beaches, it is not surprising visitors and residents find the lifestyles and histories of Lee Countys quaint islands worth preserving.

Author Mary Kaye Stevens is an educator who made Lee County her home in 1972. The vintage photographs in this book appear courtesy of multigenerational island families and local museums. As with her previous Arcadia Publishing book, Images of America: Pine Island, Images of America: Lee County Islands will take readers on a delightful journey through the islands' unique past.