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

Historic L. B. Brown House

ca. 1892

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, March 16, 2012

1. The Historic L. B. Brown House Marker

Inscription. The L. B. Brown House was built in 1892, during the period of Bartow's initial development. It is a good example of Frame Vernacular construction typical of that period. This house is decorated with intricate mill work and gingerbread. The house has nine rooms. The Brown house was built by Lawrence Bernard Brown (1856-1941) who was born into slavery, in Wacahoota, outside of Archer. He moved to Deland around 1882 where he built a number of houses. Lawrence moved to Bartow during the 1880s and built a large number of dwellings, one of which was the L. B. Brown House. Lawrence and AnnieBelle (1882-1938) Brown raised seven children here. Lawrence and his wife are buried in the Evergreen Cemetery in Bartow. The house is now owned by the Neighborhood Improvement Corporation of Bartow, Inc. Restoration was completed in 2001 with the cooperation of the city of Bartow, citizens of Bartow, and the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources.
A Florida Historic Landmark

Erected 2006 by Neighborhood Improvement Corporation of Bartow and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-590.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 27° 53.623′ N, 81°

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50.061′ W. Marker is in Bartow, Florida, in Polk County. It is on South 2nd Avenue 0.2 miles south of East Main Street (U.S. 98), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 470 South 2nd Avenue, 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: Swearingen - Langford House (approx. 0.4 miles away); First Baptist Church of Bartow (approx. half a mile away); The City of Bartow (approx. 0.6 miles away); Old Polk County Courthouse (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of Fort Blount (approx. 0.6 miles away); Mann Manor (approx. 0.7 miles away); Union Academy High School (approx. 0.8 miles away); Memorial for Austin C. Welch (approx. 1.2 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 approx. 0.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Historic L.B. Brown House and Museum in Bartow, Florida. To preserve the historic L.B. Brown House for use as a museum to help educate the public about the significant contributions made by African-Americans to Florida's history and to serve as the site for the L. B. Brown Heritage Conference and Festival, which seeks to provide a principal forum for outstanding scholars
Photographed by Paul Crumlish, March 16, 2012

2. Wide view of the Historic L. B. Brown House Marker
The marker stands in front of the recently restored L.B. Brown House in a residential neighborhood of Bartow.
and fun-filled entertainment. (Submitted on March 31, 2012, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)

Historic L. B. Brown House Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Diane Murphy, June 2025

3. Historic L. B. Brown House Marker

Lawrence Bernard Brown 1856 - 1941 From slavery to successful businessman 1890's. 1930's According to a 1912 Jacksonville newspaper, Lawrence Bernard Brown was the wealthiest person and the largest property owner "among the gentlemen of color." Mr. Brown was also a generous philanthropist and a highly respected community leader. The story of his rise to such prominence is compelling, especially considering his enslaved birth and lack of formal education. L.B. Brown was a good example of a self-made man.

Photographed by Diane Murphy, May 2025

4. Historic L. B. Brown House Marker

Historic L.B. Brown House circa 1892 This six room bungalow was built by Lawrence Brown around 1912. It is typical of the many rental dwellings built by him throughout east Bartow. It was moved from it's original location, two blocks east of here, during restoration.

Photographed by Diane Murphy, June 2025

5. Historic L. B. Brown House Marker

Namie Bell Brown Anna Belle (Granger) Brown Lawrence B. Brown 1882 - 1938 1856 - 1941 The spot where this sign has been placed marks the location of Mr. Brown's workshop. This is where Mr. Brown sold Bibles, repaired umbrellas, silvered mirrors, made loans, notarized documents, collected rent payments, offered counseling, and made donations to those in need. The concrete pad and ramp were connected to the back door of his shop. Mr. Brown was a devout Christian, and devoted family man.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2012, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,320 times since then and 57 times this year. Last updated on February 9, 2013, by Kathleen Black of Woodbridge, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2012, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 27, 2025, by Diane Murphy of Saint Cloud, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.