Lakeland in Polk County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Acton Community

Photographed by Diane Murphy, August 12, 2025

1. Acton Community Marker

Inscription. In 1884, a group of Englishmen established Acton, named after English author Lord Acton, two miles east of Lakeland. Acton lasted from 1884 until 1894 when its residents scattered after the great freeze. During its decade of existence the town had about 200 people, a hotel, sawmill, stores and a church. Its atmosphere, dress and custom were typically English. Polo, fox hunting and cricket were a part of the village's daily life.

Erected 1957 by the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials. (Marker Number F-52.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 28° 3.171′ N, 81° 55.953′ W. Marker is in Lakeland, Florida, in Polk County. It is at the intersection of East Memorial Boulevard (U.S. 92) and Interlachen Parkway, on the right when traveling east on East Memorial Boulevard. The marker is located at Interlachen Park, a City of Lakeland park, across U.S. 92 from Lake Parker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200-500 Interlachen Parkway, Lakeland FL 33801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Florida.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: ‘Mute Swan Protecting Her Cygnets’ (approx. 1.4 miles away); Allen Kryger (approx. 1½ miles away); The Women's Club of Lakeland

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(approx. 1½ miles away); The Sorosis Club Building (approx. 1½ miles away); Munn Park (approx. 1½ miles away); Munn Park Historic District (approx. 1½ miles away); Second Mass. Infantry Camp (approx. 1.6 miles away); a different marker also named Munn Park Historic District (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeland.

More about this marker. The marker is capped with the Great Seal of the State of Florida.

Photographed by AGS Media, December 22, 2011

2. Acton Community Marker

Photographed by AGS Media, December 22, 2011

3. Acton Community Marker

Interlachen Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by AGS Media, December 22, 2011

4. Interlachen Park

The marker is to the right of and perpendicular to the park sign.

Lake Parker from Interlachen Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by AGS Media, December 22, 2011

5. Lake Parker from Interlachen Park

Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 12, 2012, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,255 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 12, 2025, by Diane Murphy of Saint Cloud, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 12, 2012, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.