Backstory: Historic Fort Myers Beach arches remembered

The coquina stone arches stood for more than 55 years and have since become part of Fort Myers Beach lore.

Their story began in the 1920s with Tom Phillips, a New Yorker who made a small fortune by inventing a new type of washing machine. Phillips turned his attention to real estate in Southwest Florida and built several local attractions, including a casino and bathhouse. He also launched a housing development called San Carlos on the Gulf.

In 1924, at the entrance to that development, Phillips constructed the now-famous arches — towering 27 feet high and stretching 104 feet wide. Built from coquina rock, they originally stood at the edge of the Lee County mainland. But after a hurricane in 1926 washed away enough sand, the area became known as San Carlos Island.

Over the decades, the arches became a beloved landmark and gateway to Fort Myers Beach. Millions passed beneath them via San Carlos Boulevard, and they became a frequent subject of postcards and photographs.

In 1979, the arches were slated for demolition to make way for the Matanzas Pass Bridge. Local residents rallied to save them, convincing state officials and the developer to consider relocating the structure. But miscommunication proved fatal. A subcontractor, unaware of the plan to preserve the arches, brought them down with a wrecking ball.

Though gone, the arches remain a symbol of Fort Myers Beach — immortalized in murals, memories and old photos. Today, a group of dedicated residents continues to raise funds with the hope of one day rebuilding the arches and restoring their place in the island’s history.