The Wandering Disciple

Riding the rails in style, the Pullman train car was how the affluent members of society traveled the country. These cars were the luxury RV's of the era and exhibited the finest elegant accommodations on the rails. This 1929 Pullman called the Esperanza was on display at the Southwest Florida Museum of History before being sold to the Seminole-Gulf Railroad for restoration. (Photo: October 2, 2010)

The Esperanza Pullman Car sits on display at the Southwest Florida Museum of History in Fort Myers. Ordered by Harry Black in 1929, the Esperanza was 83 feet long and provided a luxury rail accommodations. There was a lounge, two state rooms, a dining room, kitchen and a berth for the staff. (Photo: October 2, 2010)

The first fire truck for the Fort Myers Fire Department sits on display in the Fire & Military History gallery at the Southwest Florida Museum of History Museum. The 1926 American La France fire engine is preserved among other historical artifacts from the Fort Myers FD. (Photo: October 2, 2010)

Fort Myers, Florida: Located in a restored train terminal in the heart of downtown, the Southwest Florida Museum of History takes a detailed look into the past of Southwest Florida. Begin in the days when large animals ruled the land and take a look into the lives of those who came to call the region home including Native American’s, Florida Crackers and those who live here today. The dream of the museum began in the 1970’s when the Atlantic Coastline Railroad closed their Fort Myers depot. The depot became neglected until a group of local citizens raised money to restore the depot to house a museum. In April of 1982, the museum opened to the public. Today guest to the museum can tour the history of Southwest Florida inside the restored train depot. As you enter the depot, you begin your tour with Paleo Florida. Here you learn about the large animals that roamed Florida during the day of the dinosaurs. There are skeletons of a giant sloth and saber tooth tiger as well as other l...