Old Polk County Courthouse, County courthouse in Bartow, Florida, United States
The Old Polk County Courthouse is a county courthouse in Bartow, Florida, built in 1908-1909 in the neoclassical style. The structure features tall columns, symmetrical design, and a prominent dome topped with a clock tower.
The courthouse was built in 1908–09 to designs by architect Edward Columbus Hosford, who worked in the Classical Revival style. It served as Polk County's judicial center until 1987. On August 7, 1989, it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Since 1989 the building has held its National Register listing, and the Polk County Historical Museum now occupies the former courthouse. Its exhibits cover the Native American tribes of the area, early pioneers, the citrus industry, the Civil War and local service in World War II. Visitors can sit in the jury box or stand at the judge's bench of the restored courtroom.
The building is centrally located in Bartow at East Main Street and is easily accessible on foot. The interior has been converted into the Polk County History Center with exhibits, restored courtrooms, and information about historic sites throughout the region.
The building is also known as the Imperial Polk County Courthouse, a name tied to Polk County's nickname, "Imperial Polk." It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1989, and today the Polk County Historical Museum occupies the former courthouse at 100 East Main Street.
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