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During the 1800s, settlers battled the Seminole Indians for control of the area, with the settlers eventually winning, but not without major casulties. When the indian threat was settled, the county was created by the Florida Legislature in 1861, by taking portions of Brevard and Hillsborough Counties, and naming it for the 11th president, James K Polk.
The county seat was established by Jacob Summerlin, a wealth cattle baron, who selected Fort Blount which was on property he owned. The gave the county the property and a building for the seat. At the same time, the Civil War began, causing the growth of the area to stagnate. The area could produce large amounts of citrus, strawberries, and cattle, but had no way to get them to major markets.
With the introduction of the railroad in 1885, Polk could get it's products to market and the area began to flourish. A major product of the area, phosphate, was now able to be shipped.
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Phosphate, a major comonent of ferilizer, was formed here when the area was in shallow water, 10 million years ago, and fish and shellfish deposits built up. Goods and building material could now be imported, as well.
The county grew slowly until World War II, when military training facilities were built, bring young men to the area. After the war, many stayed, and the facilities were converted to housing and civilian airfields.
Today, tourism is a major draw to the area, with world famous attractions such as Cypress Gardens, and Bok Tower leading the way. Polk County is now an area with many lakes, orange groves, small towns, and commercial centers. Located between Orlando and Tampa, the area is experiencing more growth than ever in it's past.
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