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History

Maintenance Closure

Effective May 23, 2022: The Founders House at Koreshan Historic Settlement will be closed for maintenance beginning May 23, 2022. It will reopen on May 26, 2022. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

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Throughout its history, Florida has welcomed pioneers of all kinds. Cyrus Reed Teed was probably the most unusual, bringing followers to Estero in 1894 to build the "New Jerusalem" for his new faith, Koreshanity.

Hallow Earth

Original Electric Hollow Earth Model in Art Hall

Dr. Cyrus R. Teed's utopian community of 200 followers relocated from Chicago to Florida in 1894.

Dr. Teed took the name "Koresh," the Hebrew translation for Cyrus, meaning shepherd.

The colonists believed that the entire universe existed within a giant, hollow sphere. They conducted experiments that seemed to confirm their beliefs. The Koreshans built and operated a printing facility, boat works, cement works, sawmill, bakery, store and hostelry.

Education, science and art also helped shape their community.

After the death of Dr. Teed in 1908 at the age of 69, membership of his religious group began to decline.

In 1961, the last four members deeded 305 acres of their land to the state. What remains of their once vibrant community are 11 beautifully maintained historic structures that date from 1882 to 1920, and landscaped grounds that include unique ornamental exotic vegetation from throughout the world.

The Koreshan Unity Settlement Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

  • Additional Information about the History of Koreshan
Koreshans

Costumed Koreshan Unity Members at the Tea House and Garden, c. 1925
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