Historical Document Libraries
Some county, town, and parish courthouses maintain historical libraries housing the earliest recorded documents dating back to the creation of the county. Such libraries often will be under the jurisdiction of the Clerk of Court’s Office. Where space considerations prohibit storage of historical records, they may be transferred to other repositories such as the local historical or genealogical society or to an offsite location.
Researchers in Lee County, Florida are fortunate, indeed, in that a section of the Lee County Courthouse has been converted into a Historical Document Library, located in the Recording Office. This department is managed by a long-time veteran of the Clerk’s office who is also an active member of the SW Florida Historical Society. Researchers using the facility have access to many rare historical records, including maps, surveys, land records and related materials dating back to the formation of Lee County in 1887. The materials cover all of Lee County from the late 1880s through the 1950s. The following thumbnail sketch provides some of the library’s content from a genealogical and historical perspective:
1. Pioneer Names: This 3 volume set contains the following miscellaneous items:
a. Lists of individuals involved in many local infrastructure projects, such as local businessmen and influential financiers funding road construction, bridges, canals, building construction, waterway expansions, health services, etc.
b. Historical pictures, various legal documents, maps, surveys, petitions, deeds, court documents
and related correspondence on the local, state, and federal level.
c. Listing of original pioneer districts and settlements throughout Lee County.
d. Revenue and tax receipts for contractors, individuals, businesses, etc., including receipts
submitted to county commissioners for reimbursement and documentation 1890s-1940s
e. Poll tax lists.
f. Property owners in areas where projects were located.
g. Juror lists.
2. Plat maps, indexes from 1887 - Present including many local cemeteries, churches, and original
structures.
3. Miscellaneous county legal documents. 3 volumes.
a. Infrastructure projects and contractors.
b. Monetary disbursements for project services performed by named contractors.
4. Koreshan settlement: Content includes a vast assortment of historical documents, petitions,
investigations into the group prior to a decision made by the county commission.
5. Cattle marks and brands dating back to 1899, when the cattlemen and hog ranchers of that era
submitted their marks and brands to the Clerk of Courts for registration.
6. Maps, blueprints, and surveys for many city, county, canal, waterway improvements (1880s-1940s).
7. County Commission minutes 1880s-Present. 5 volumes.
8. Bound volumes of court dockets, tax, deeds, grantor-grantee lists, marriages, letters of
administration, wills, etc.
9. Plat maps, including maps to help researchers identify the location of old cemeteries and
churches.
10.Digitized images of historical records that are now available on the Clerk of Courts website going
back to the 1887.
11.Historical photographs of Fort Myers and Lee County 1880s-1980s (NOTE: Includes many
prominent people, places, and events).
12. Bride and Groom Indexes.
13. Criminal Journals.
14. Black history information specific to Lee County. 3 volumes.
Due to the size and condition of the documents and books, photocopy facilities are not available. Patrons are welcome to bring hand-held scanners, flash drives, digital cameras, or smart phones. While the Lee County Historical Documents Library may not be indicative of what is available elsewhere, it serves as an example of what may be available in your place of residence.