Koreshan State Park

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Dating to 1896, this building is referred to as the Founders Hall. It is the oldest surviving structure at the settlement. Koreshan members who joined the religious order and lived within the confines of the Settlement were required to be celibate, give their property to the Unity and work for the building of the New Jerusalem. Equity among the sexes was ordained and everyone had a job and place in life.
Interesting history here at Koreshan State Park. Dr Cyrus Teed, who changed his name to Koresh brought his followers from Chicago to this property in Estero, Florida in 1894. Originally trained as a medical doctor, Dr Teed became disillusioned with the inhumanity of medicine during the Civil War. He became ‘illuminated’ working in his laboratory in 1869 and founded a communal society based on his ideas of communal living, communal property, and his religious and scientific theories. With everyone working for the good of all. This original building, dating to 1904, is called Planetary Court. It housed the governing council of Koreshan. The council was made up of 7 women each of whom had their own room within this building. They were responsible for the day to day running of the Settlement.
Koreshan was to be a planned community with an anticipated population of 10 million! The city would embrace formal gardens laid out in geometric patterns. This bridge, reconstructed in 2004 by volunteers, is part of the formal gardens. The community came to an end in 1961 when the last four members gave the property to the State of Florida for a Park.
Another dramatic Florida sunset. #bvsblue
The history!

Lodging Near Koreshan State Park

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Estero

Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Estero

3.5 out of 5
10450 Corkscrew Commons Dr Estero FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$246 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$246
13 Apr - 14 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Located in Estero, Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Estero is in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Miromar Outlets and Florida Gulf Coast ...
Awesome experience

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

Opens in a new windowEmbassy Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Estero
Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Estero/FGCU

Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Estero/FGCU

2.5 out of 5
10611 Chevrolet Way Estero FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$221 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$221
21 Apr - 22 Apr
includes taxes & fees
When you stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Estero/FGCU in Estero, you'll be in a shopping district, within a 5-minute drive of Florida Gulf Coast University ...
Breakfast was good with lots of seating. Room is well appointed and clean

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026

Opens in a new windowHampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Estero/FGCU
Hyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove, Bonita Springs

Hyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove, Bonita Springs

4 out of 5
11800 Coconut Cove Drive Bonita Springs FL
Fully refundable
The price is AU$486 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$486
20 Apr - 21 Apr
includes taxes & fees
When you stay at Hyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove, Bonita Springs in Bonita Springs, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 15-minute drive of Coconut ...
The room smelled sour and the hall smelled like cigar smoke

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2026

Opens in a new windowHyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove, Bonita Springs
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