Fort Myers beach is the home to not only many people but vast amounts of wildlife as well. The island is seven miles long and one mile wide at the widest most point. This island was first inhabited by the Colusa indians, then the Spanish came. A war in-sued, and lets just say the indians lost. Over the course of Florida's history not only with Ft. Myers Beach the Spanish settlers had a major influence on the state. Everything form names to architecture was changed by these people. Over time the settlers changed and so did the island. In 1921 the first bridge was built from Ft. Myers Beach to the mainland of Florida forever connecting the people on both sides. The ability to go from the beach area to the mainland made for more tourism and merchant opportunities. The fishing industry was always big on the island but grew even more with that of the shrimp boats and easy accessibility. Thus giving us the modern day beach front, with a postmodern feel.
While on this trip i not only learned about the history but the natural world as well. I have only been on a few island in my time so far and this experience was once in a lifetime. I was amazed by the change in vegetation and wildlife on the island. I leaned about mangrove trees the red,white, and black ones. I also learned about sea grapes, that you can eat them and they are quite tasty. I learned about what an estuary was, when the saltwater mixes with fresh water. And that this is a fertile ground for fish and shrimp to have their young. 
The trip to Ft. Myers beach was a simple trip with a short walk but in that time i became very aware that location means everything. Not to mention it was really cool to stop and see the shrimp boat up close and to walk for a little bit on that beach that so many years ago people were landing on for the first time. History is fascinating, it gives a real picture of where we came from and where we are headed. Words: 364
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