Koreshan State Historical Site Tour

Join the Southwest Florida Archaeological Society (SWFAS) on Saturday, December 7, 2024 for the SWFAS 2024 Field Trip to Koreshan State Historical Site. Entrance to the site is complementary for our group by the Koreshan State Historical Site. We will have a private tour led by a docent who will explain the history of the fascinating Koreshan sect and its founder Cyrus Teed. Their relocation from New York and Chicago to Estero and their innovative farming methods and advances in the establishment of their “Eden on Earth” were far ahead of the local towns in south Florida. The buildings here at Estero were organized to house and feed the group and to produce articles to sell to the outside areas for a cash income. They had their own electricity, an icehouse for their fish canning plant, and developed hybrid plants. Their religious ideas and practices often put them in conflict with the farmers and fishermen in Ft. Myers that led to physical violence. The site was founded in 1882 and was highly active through 1920. In 1961 the 305-acre site was deeded over to the state by the last of the Koreshans.

After the tour we will meet for lunch at Rusty’s Raw Bar and Grille about two miles north of Koreshan at 20041 Tamiami Trail on the east side of the highway.

See You There! Be sure to register to reserve your place for the tour and the restaurant.

DATE: Saturday December 7, 2024, rain or shine.

TIME: Arrive 10:15 parking lot

TOUR: 10:30a – 12:00p

MEETING PLACE: 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero FL 33928. Meet at the benches leading to the Art Hall

COST: $5.00 to park, pay at the Rangers station, then take the first right at the crossroads and follow it

To the parking lot at the end. Follow the sidewalk to the sign that says “Tours Start Here”

Entry to Koreshan is complementary for our group thanks to the Koreshan State Historic Site

LUNCH: Rusty’s Raw Bar and Grille 20041 S. Tamiami Trail

REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR BOTH THE TOUR AND LUNCH. RESERVE BY CONTACTING JOHN FUREY AT [email protected]. Indicate the tour and the luncheon separately.

Host or Publisher Southwest Florida Archaeological Society