Estero, Florida: Failed Hollow Earth Utopia

Failed Hollow Earth Utopia

The generator that powered Cyrus Teed's community. They still turn it on during certain group tours. [Angelo, 02/07/2015]

Hollow Earth Utopia

It's all about faith; I do not know that the earth rotates around the sun or that the astronauts really landed on the moon. I believe these things because I have faith in what the astronomers tell me. In 1901 Dr. Cyrus Teed had a theory and a convincing argument and a bunch of people believed him enough to give up their lives and join this Utopian community in Florida.

I thought the place would be a bunch of hooey, but after the tour guide explained Dr. Teeds beliefs, I could understand how his followers believed. Of particular interest was the fact that he believed God was a woman, and that the Utopia was run by seven celibate sisters. You go girls.

p.s.: The name Koresh means "I believe" or "Messiah" in Hebrew, and is a translation of the Persian name Cyrus. So despite the fact that he used this name, there is no connection between him and the more recent user of the name, David Koresh. David Koresh changed his name also; he was originally named Vernon Howell.

[Margaret Guyette, 02/08/2013]

Failed Hollow Earth Utopia

A model of the hollow Earth described by Cyrus Teed is part of the exhibit at the Koreshan Unity Settlement State Historic Site.

[Dick Larson, 03/04/2012]

Almost Utopia

Seven celibate women of the Planetary Court ruled this place of arts and science with finesse. A good site to visit to see how easily we can believe and follow anyone anywhere.

[Robert Seidler, 08/20/2011]

Koreshan State Park - A Dopey Utopia

As noted in a previous post, the Koreshan plantation was home to a placid but kooky cult beginning in the late 19th century. Their leader, Koresh (actually named Teed), believed he had changed lead into gold, that god was a woman, that the universe was inside-out with the heavens being a sphere in the center of a concave world. The Koreshanites were celibate -- so no replacements -- and the cult has all but died out.

The park is great and the Koreshan commune buildings are in excellent shape. If walking the amphitheatre, arboretum, and community buildings gets too boring, there is a stream with alligators nearby.

A very cool place to visit and camp. The "tootsie roll" model of the universe is worth the price of admission alone!

[M. Salcedo, 08/27/2002]