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

Old Polk County Courthouse

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, March 16, 2012

1. Old Polk County Courthouse Marker

Inscription. Polk County was established February 8, 1861 formed from eastern Hillsborough County and western Brevard County and comprised one of two counties created after the state's secession from the union. Polk County was named after James Knox Polk the eleventh president of the United States. Polk served from 1845 to 1849, and was the first president to hold office after Florida achieved statehood. The turbulent 1860's saw Polk's seat of government changed several times. Located first at Mud Lake, the county seat soon moved to Jefferson, a surveyed town site within the present day limits of Bartow. Court and County records were maintained in the home of the county clerk the Reverend Jeremiah Hayman at Six Mile Creek. In 1867 cattleman Jacob Summerlin donated 120 acres of land at Bartow for a town site and seat of county government. Several courthouses have existed at this site, built in 1867, 1884 and 1909.
A Florida Heritage Site

Erected 2005 by Polk County Historical Commission and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-549.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Political Subdivisions

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. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #11 James K. Polk series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 8, 1839.

Location. 27° 53.824′ N, 81° 50.573′ W. Marker is in Bartow, Florida, in Polk County. It is on East Davidson Street east of North Broadway Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East Main Street, Bartow FL 33830, 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: The City of Bartow (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Fort Blount (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Baptist Church of Bartow (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mann Manor (approx. 0.2 miles away); Swearingen - Langford House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Historic L. B. Brown House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Evergreen & Palm Cemeteries (approx. ¾ mile away); Union Academy High School (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bartow.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Co E 7th Florida Inf Regt South Florida Bulldogs (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding Old Polk County Courthouse. The Old Polk County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic

Old Polk County Courthouse NRHP Plaque #1 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by AGS Media, June 27, 2012

2. Old Polk County Courthouse NRHP Plaque #1

Mounted at the south portico is this plaque (one of two) noting the courthouse's national recognition as a historic building.

The Old Polk County Courthouse
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
By the United States
Department of the Interior
August 1989

Places in 1989.

Additional commentary.
1. From Courthouse to Museum
The Old Courthouse was replaced by the current Polk County Courthouse in 1987. For the next decade the empty building underwent extensive renovations to prepare its former courtrooms and other spaces for a new purpose. Today, the building is known by a new name: the Polk County History Center. As the History Center, the building houses both the Polk County History Museum and the Polk County Historical and Genealogical Library.

— Submitted June 28, 2012, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida.

Old Polk County Courthouse NRHP Plaque #2 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by AGS Media, June 27, 2012

3. Old Polk County Courthouse NRHP Plaque #2

A second NRHP plaque is mounted at the building's east steps.

The Old Polk County Courthouse
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
By the United States
Department of the Interior
August 1989

Photographed by AGS Media, June 27, 2012

4. Old Polk County Courthouse NRHP Plaque #1

Seen to the left of the south entrance

Photographed by AGS Media, June 27, 2012

5. Old Polk County Courthouse NRHP Plaque #2

Seen at the east entrance, to the left of the steps

Wide view of the Old Polk County Courthouse Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, March 16, 2012

6. Wide view of the Old Polk County Courthouse Marker

Old Polk County Courthouse (1909) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, March 16, 2012

7. Old Polk County Courthouse (1909)

Old Polk County Courthouse (West Facade) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by AGS Media, June 27, 2012

8. Old Polk County Courthouse (West Facade)

Now the Polk County History Center

Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2012, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,743 times since then and 128 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 30, 2012, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 28, 2012, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. 6. submitted on March 30, 2012, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 7. submitted on March 31, 2012, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 8. submitted on June 28, 2012, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida.