Estero, FL news and local guide

In the 1890s Damkohler gave land to the followers of Dr. Cyrus R. Teed, who taught that people live on the inside surface of a hollow Earth, with the sun and stars inside it; the state marker dates the sect's arrival to 1893, and Wikipedia dates the gift to 1894. The Koreshan Unity lived communally and celibately on Damkohler's original 320 acres, ran a farm, nursery and botanical garden, pursued art and music, and prospered enough to found its own political party and incorporate the town of Estero on September 1, 1904. At the urging of other local officials, the legislature abolished the town in 1907. Teed, who claimed to be immortal, died in 1908, a heavy blow to the sect, whose membership dwindled into the 1960s. In 1961 the surviving members gave their property to the State of Florida, and the Koreshans' original tract is now owned by the state. Sources Wikipedia: Estero, Florida The Historical Marker Database: Koreshan Unity Settlement (Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials)