Polk County was named in honor of President James Knox Polk, the 11th president of the United States, by a pioneer of the area by the name of Readding Blount, the founder of Bartow, Florida. Long after Florida had succeeded from the union in 1861, Governor Madison S. Perry signed into legislation the combining of parts of Brevard County and a large part of Hillsborough County to create the 39th county in the State of Florida, what is now known as Polk County. In 1842 the Florida Armed Occupation Act was passed, offering incentives in order to populate the State of Florida. The Act provided 160 acres of unsettled land to any head of a household under the conditions that the person bear arms for protection and cultivate five acres of land within the first year and build a house upon the land. As a stipulation to the Florida Armed Occupation Act it was noted that settlement was prohibited around Peace River as that was considered to be home to the Seminole Indians. While in pursuit of the Seminole Indians the U.S. military cut roads and built forts that spread across the peninsula of Florida, thus became the beginnings of the settlements in Polk County. It is rumored that a hurricane in 1848 drove some of the first pioneers to the Polk County area from Hillsborough County. Bartow, Florida named in honor of Francis S. Bartow, a confederate Colonel from Georgia, became the county seat and a courthouse was erected in 1867 and was replaced on two separate occasions. The final courthouse constructed in 1908 now serves as a Polk County Historical Museum and Library. With the increasing population came the increasing industries, orange groves and phosphate became the driving force of income in the area. By 1884 Henry B. Plant brought the South Florida Railroad into the area and with it came many opportunities for easy transport of goods to neighboring communities.
Today Polk County as been made home to cities such as Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Highland Park, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Mulberry, Polk City and Winter Haven. Larger than most American states at a whopping 2,000 square miles, Polk County is bursting with recreational activities. Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven, founded in 1936, paved the way for the major theme parks in the State of Florida. With its many thrill rides, breathtaking gardens, and concerts, a day at Cypress Gardens is one that will be remembered! Polk County is speckled with 550 lakes, 80 of which provide public access! From the 3,486 acres of Lake Reedy to the 7,523 acres of Lake Weohyakapka, Polk County "e;reels in"e; some of the most knowledgeable fisherman! The Historic Bok Sanctuary in Lake Wales provides some of the most incredible gardens in the state of Florida. The focal point of these magnificent gardens is the Singing Tower, a 205 foot Carillon Tower that provides concerts from the Sanctuary on a daily basis.
The many different real estate options that are provided by relocating to Polk County can provide many opportunities for living your life to its fullest. Single family homes, small farms, land opportunities, mobile and modular homes are a few of the many different housing possibilities in the area. With its abundance of history, beauty and diverse people, Polk County offers a lifetime of learning, relaxation and memories.
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