Built 1885 Opened 1885 | NRHP Reference # 08000463 Added to NRHP 29 May 2008 | |
 | ||
Architectural style Colonial Revival architecture Similar Murphy‑Burroughs House, Billy's Creek, Alico Arena, Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Hammond Stadium | ||
The William H. Towles House is a historic house at 2050 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida. On May 29, 2008, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
William H. Towles
One of the most colorful characters in Fort Myers history was William H. "Bill" Towles(Sep. 28, 1852 - Jun. 25, 1921). It was he who gave Fort Myers its present courthouse, standing guard with a shotgun to ward off opponents while workmen labored all night to tear down the old courthouse before a court order could be obtained to stop the move. Bill Towles was a cattle operator on a large scale who made a fortune shipping beef to Cuba.
Born in 1852 at Perry, Florida, he got into the cattle business while a young man, moved his cattle to Fort Myers ranges in 1884 and went into business with James E. Hendry Sr. Towles led the fight in establishing Lee County, Florida and for many years served as county commissioner, and it was as chairman of the board that he forced the building of the new courthouse. He also served for several years as a member of the town council.
Towles died in 1921 and was survived by three children, Mrs. Corrine T. Summerlin, Wallace and Mildred.