The Polk County Historical Commission (PCHC) was created by State Legislative action and approved by Governor Frederick Preston Cone of Florida on May 4, 1937. This effort was the result of historically minded citizens of Polk County interested in preserving the historical background of a growing community. With the passage of the act, the means to administer and oversee a broad area of historical interest was assured.
The nine-member commission serves as an advisory board to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. A signature activity of the PCHC is the administration of the historical marker program. Historical markers are popular and useful tools for promoting and preserving all aspects of Polk County’s diverse heritage. Marker topics include individuals, events, institutions, buildings, ethnic groups, churches, sites, communities and cemeteries.
A historical marker dedication will take place May 16 in Bartow, recognizing the city’s incorporation in 1882. For more information, visit the City of Bartow website here.