If Polk County folks seem to have a rebellious streak, it may be because Floridians created the county after they had seceded from the Union. Florida seceded in January 1861, and Governor Madison Starke Perry signed legislation creating Polk County in February of that year. Officials named the town after former President James K. Polk. The original name of the county seat was Fort Blount. Officials later renamed the town after a Confederate officer who died in the Battle of Bull Run, Francis Bartow.
Bartow is home to the old Polk County Courthouse. Built in 1908, the ornate structure now serves as the Polk County History Center. The National Register of Historic Places listed the courthouse in 1989. Moreover, the History Center houses a genealogical library and several historical exhibits and art galleries. Accordingly, it is a source of information about ways to explore the county and learn about its heritage.
Residents and visitors can learn a lot by experiencing the Polk County Heritage Trail. The guide includes museums, galleries, historic homes and exhibits. In addition, people can get a glimpse of local history by viewing monuments, cemeteries and attending arts festivals. There are many other interesting sites such as the Polk Museum of Art, the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture exhibit at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center.
Martinez Manglardi Serves Polk County
Also, the Martinez Manglardi law firm fights for Polk County injury victims. All of the partners of the firm are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. We help accident victims obtain financial compensation for their losses. Call 407-846-2240 with questions if you’ve been injured in an accident in Orlando, Orange County, Kissimmee, Osceola County, Apopka, Seminole County, Palm Bay, Brevard County, Ocala or anywhere in Florida.
