The Strange Side of SWFL | Halloween Edition
Along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers stands one of Southwest Florida's most beautiful historic mansions. With its elegant architecture, grand staircase, antique furnishings, and lush gardens, the Burroughs Home & Gardens looks like something straight out of another century.
And that's because it is.
Built in 1901, this magnificent home has witnessed more than 125 years of Southwest Florida history. It has welcomed famous visitors, hosted elegant social gatherings, and survived the transformation of Fort Myers from a small frontier community into the bustling city we know today.
But according to some people who have worked inside its walls, the mansion may have a few stories that history books can't fully explain.
An upstairs bathtub reportedly filling itself with water. Strange occurrences inside an otherwise empty house. And lingering questions about whether the mansion's former occupants ever truly left.
This Halloween, we're exploring the fascinating history, reported paranormal experiences, and mysterious reputation of one of Fort Myers' most recognizable landmarks.
A Mansion Built During Fort Myers' Early Days
Long before downtown Fort Myers became the vibrant River District we know today, the city was a growing community attracting wealthy northern visitors.
In 1901, Montana cattleman John T. Murphy commissioned an impressive Georgian Revival mansion overlooking the Caloosahatchee River.
The residence featured spacious verandas, beautiful woodwork, tall ceilings, and an elegant interior that reflected the wealth and sophistication of its era.
The property later became home to businessman Nelson Burroughs, his wife Adeline, and their daughters, Mona and Jettie.
The Burroughs family became an important part of Fort Myers' social history, and their home served as a gathering place for prominent visitors and community events.
Today, the mansion remains a remarkable example of early 20th-century architecture in Southwest Florida.
When Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone Came to Visit
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Burroughs Home is its connection to some of America's most recognizable historical figures.
Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone were among the prominent individuals associated with the mansion's social history.
During the early 1900s, Fort Myers was becoming a popular winter retreat for wealthy industrialists and influential families.
Edison had established his winter estate along the Caloosahatchee River, and Henry Ford later purchased a neighboring property.
The Burroughs Home was part of the social world that developed around these prominent winter residents.
Imagine walking through the mansion's grand entrance more than a century ago, when elegant gatherings brought together some of the most influential people of the era.
The same rooms visitors can explore today once witnessed a very different Fort Myers.
But the mansion's famous guests aren't the only reason people are still talking about it.
The Mystery of the Bathtub That Filled Itself
Here's where the story takes a strange turn.
Former museum director Gina Taylor, who began working at the Burroughs Home in 1990, has publicly described unusual experiences that occurred while she worked at the property.
One particularly memorable incident involved an upstairs bathtub.
According to Taylor's account, a maintenance worker entered the mansion on a Monday when the museum was closed.
While searching for a broom, he reportedly discovered something unexpected.
An upstairs bathtub was filling with water.
Nobody was supposed to be inside the house.
When the worker asked Taylor whether anyone had been there, she reportedly told him no.
Even stranger, Taylor recalled that similar incidents occurred on three separate Mondays.
The repeated occurrences left her searching for an explanation.
Was there a plumbing problem? Could someone have entered the building unnoticed? Or was there another explanation that nobody had considered?
No supernatural cause has been established, but the unusual incidents became part of the mansion's growing collection of mysterious stories.
Taylor's experiences also contributed to her interest in sharing the lesser-known and sometimes eerie history of downtown Fort Myers.
Are the Former Residents Still Wandering the Halls?
Historic homes often inspire ghost stories, especially when generations of families have lived within their walls.
The Burroughs Home is no exception.
With its antique furnishings, old bedrooms, winding staircase, and quiet hallways, the mansion preserves the atmosphere of another era.
It's easy to imagine footsteps crossing its wooden floors or conversations drifting from rooms that once hosted elaborate gatherings.
Over the years, stories of unexplained activity have become part of the home's local reputation.
Some visitors and paranormal enthusiasts have wondered whether former residents might still have a presence in the mansion.
Of course, there is no verified evidence that the Burroughs family or any other former occupant haunts the property.
But the combination of its long history, preserved interiors, and reported unexplained experiences makes it an intriguing destination for anyone interested in local folklore.
And in October 2026, that curiosity inspired an actual paranormal investigation.
A Paranormal Investigation in October 2026
On October 23, 2026, the Burroughs Home became the setting for a special paranormal investigation organized by True Tours.
The event brought together visitors interested in the mansion's history and mysterious reputation.
Participants had the opportunity to hear stories associated with the property and explore designated areas alongside paranormal investigators.
Local paranormal author and tour guide Christopher Balzano was among those associated with the event.
The investigation also supported the Uncommon Friends Foundation, the organization connected with preserving and operating the historic property.
While paranormal investigations cannot establish the existence of ghosts simply through unusual readings or unexplained sounds, events like this highlight the continuing public fascination with historic homes and their legends.
More than a century after its construction, the Burroughs Home is still giving people reasons to talk about it.
From Mysterious Mansion to a Photographer's Dream
Despite its eerie reputation, the Burroughs Home is anything but an abandoned haunted house.
Today, it is one of Fort Myers' most beautiful historic destinations and a popular venue for weddings, celebrations, and photography.
Its elegant exterior, grand staircase, manicured gardens, mature trees, and riverfront setting create an atmosphere that feels timeless.
For photographers, the property offers a combination of historic architecture and natural beauty that's increasingly difficult to find.
The mansion's verandas, antique interiors, and surrounding gardens provide distinctive backdrops for wedding portraits, engagement sessions, and creative photography.
And for history enthusiasts, the property offers something even more meaningful: an opportunity to experience a piece of Fort Myers' past.
Visitors can appreciate the home's architecture while learning about the families who lived there and the prominent guests who helped shape the region's early social history.
Professional photography and special events may require advance permission or separate arrangements.
Preserving a Piece of Southwest Florida History
The Burroughs Home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.
Today, the property is associated with the Uncommon Friends Foundation, which works to preserve the mansion and its connection to Southwest Florida's heritage.
The home stands as a reminder of how much Fort Myers has changed since the early 1900s.
When the mansion was constructed, the surrounding city looked dramatically different.
Roads, businesses, neighborhoods, and waterfront development have transformed the area over the decades.
Yet the Burroughs Home remains, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the people who helped shape early Fort Myers.
Whether you're interested in architecture, local history, photography, or the occasional ghost story, it's a landmark worth discovering.
Planning Your Visit to the Burroughs Home & Gardens
Location: 2505 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Historic significance: Built in 1901 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What to see: Historic interiors, period furnishings, beautiful architecture, landscaped gardens, and views of the Caloosahatchee River.
Tours: Guided and self-guided historic tours may be available by advance reservation. Check current schedules, admission fees, and availability before visiting.
Website: https://www.burroughshome.com
The mansion is conveniently located near downtown Fort Myers, making it an interesting stop for residents and visitors exploring the River District.
The Most Fascinating Part? The House Is Still Telling Stories.
More than 125 years after it was built, the Burroughs Home continues to capture the imagination of Southwest Florida residents.
The families who once lived there are gone. The city surrounding it has changed beyond recognition. And the world that existed when the mansion first opened its doors has largely disappeared.
Yet the house remains.
Its rooms still hold pieces of Fort Myers' past. Its gardens still overlook the Caloosahatchee River. And the mysterious experiences reported by people who have worked there continue to inspire curiosity.
Are the stories simply coincidences, misunderstood events, or the natural mysteries that come with maintaining a century-old home?
Or could there be something about this historic mansion that we don't fully understand?
Perhaps we'll never know.
But one thing is certain: More than a century later, the Burroughs Home still has stories to tell.
And sometimes, the most fascinating part of a home isn't its architecture, location, or even its famous former guests. It's the history that never seems to leave.
Discover the Strange Side of Southwest Florida With Treeline Realty
At Treeline Realty, we believe every community has a story worth telling.
From historic mansions and forgotten settlements to unusual local legends, Southwest Florida is filled with fascinating places that make our region unique.
This Halloween, we're exploring the strange side of SWFL and uncovering the stories hiding in our own backyard.
Have you ever visited the Burroughs Home & Gardens? Have you heard any mysterious stories about this historic Fort Myers mansion?
Happy Halloween from Treeline Realty!
Editor's Note: Reported paranormal experiences are presented as personal accounts and local folklore. There is no verified scientific evidence that the Burroughs Home is haunted.