From the Archives: Fans of ‘Yellowstone’ prequel may bond with historic Fort Myers home

AzariaTravel2025-07-154190

Fans of history and “1923” – the “Yellowstone” prequel series – know a thing or two about cattlemen in Montana and what they had to endure during long, harsh winters to survive.

So, it comes as no surprise that when John T. Murphy, himself a Montana cattleman, visits Fort Myers in 1899, he likes it. A lot! So much so, he purchases waterfront property for $3,500.

In those days, winter retreats typically had names. Records from the Fort Myers Press indicate Murphy referred to his winter retreat as Amokalee or Immokalee, a Seminole word for “my home” or “his home.” Other names for the property include the Burroughs Home, TheMurphy-Burroughs House and Burroughs Home and Gardens.

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The three-story structure sits on the Caloosahatchee River at 2505 1st St. On Aug. 1, 1984, it was added to the U.S.National Register of Historic Places. The veranda wraps around three sides of the house.

Built in the Georgian Revival style in 1901, its construction kicked off a “building boom” in the area. Each step of the process was followed by The Fort Myers Press.

In 1919, Nelson Burroughs purchased the home. In 1922, he transferred ownership to his daughters, Jettie and Mona; the latter of which left designated, prior to her death in 1978, that the property be left to the city of Fort Myers. After the death of her husband , Franz Fischer, in 1983, the estate was never used as a residence again.

During the early years, the Burroughs family hosted many lavish parties with notable guests like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone – all Fort Myers winter residents.

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Much of the original architectural and furnishings are preserved, including the grand staircase, fireplaces, fireplaces and furniture.Inside, you’ll find a rare “Early Square Piano,” an antique gramophone and a collection of photographs.

Today, it operates as a living history museum and, fittingly, as an event venue, offering tours and hosting weddings and the like. If you’d be interested in touring the home, visit burroughshome.com.

Sources: The News-Press archives, the Burroughs Home & Gardens website, newspapers.com, Wikipedia.

The Burroughs Home in Fort Myers.

Inside the Burroughs Home.

Inside the Burroughs Home, Fort Myers.

Circa 1930, people at Nelson Burroughs home in Fort Myers. Built in 1898 by Montana sheep rancher John T. Murphy. The house was bought by Nelson Burroughs, who wintered there until his death in 1932. The house was to be given to the city of Fort Myers to be used as a garden park and museum.AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R1he4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2he4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe