The Fisher papers document Carl Graham Fisher's contributions to activities that greatly influenced American life in the 20th century, namely urban development, automotive transportation, publicity, and sports. The collection's greatest strength is the almost day-to-day picture it draws of the building of Miami Beach from a wilderness into a world-famous resort city (1912-1926). The papers also include materials pertaining to the development of Montauk (Long Island, New York).

The collection consists mainly of business and personal correspondence. The papers include clippings, photographs, legal documents, financial reports and statements, memoranda, telegrams, pamphlets and brochures, blueprints, and patents.