National Register of Historic Places listings in Polk County, Florida facts for kids
Polk County, Florida, is home to many special places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to history. These places tell stories about how people lived and what happened in the past.
There are 75 historic spots in Polk County on this list. Two of them are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. You can find these historic places all over the county, from busy cities to quiet towns.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for old and important places in the United States. It's run by the U.S. government. When a building or area is added to this list, it means it has a lot of history. It might be very old, have a unique design, or be linked to famous people or events.
Being on the list helps protect these places. It encourages people to take care of them so future generations can enjoy them too. It also helps people learn about the past.
Historic Places in Polk County
Polk County has many different kinds of historic places. Let's explore some of the most interesting ones.
Famous Landmarks
Two places in Polk County are so important they are called National Historic Landmarks. These are the highest level of historic recognition.
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is a truly magical place near Lake Wales. It's famous for its beautiful gardens and the amazing Singing Tower. This tower has a carillon, which is like a giant musical instrument with bells. The bells play lovely music that floats across the gardens. Edward W. Bok created this peaceful sanctuary in the 1920s. It opened in 1929 and has been a popular spot ever since.
Florida Southern College Architectural District
In Lakeland, you'll find the Florida Southern College Architectural District. This college has the largest collection of buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. He was a very famous architect. His unique style, called "Child of the Sun," uses natural materials and blends buildings with the landscape. These buildings were built between 1941 and 1958. They are a great example of modern architecture.
Old Schools and Public Buildings
Many historic buildings in Polk County were once schools or places where the government worked. They show how communities grew and changed over time.
Auburndale City Hall
The Auburndale City Hall in Auburndale was built in 1927. It's a grand building that has served as the center of local government for many years. It shows the style of buildings from that time.
Old Lakeland High School
The Old Lakeland High School building, built in 1928, is a landmark in Lakeland. It served as a high school for many years. Now, it's a reminder of the city's commitment to education in the past.
Old Polk County Courthouse
The Old Polk County Courthouse in Bartow was built in 1908. It's a beautiful building with a dome. For many years, it was where important legal decisions were made for the county. It stands as a symbol of justice and history.
Roosevelt School
The Roosevelt School in Lake Wales was built in 1937. It was an important school for the African American community during a time of segregation. It represents a significant part of the area's social history.
Charming Historic Districts
A "historic district" is not just one building. It's a whole area with many historic buildings that together tell a story. These districts often show how a town looked and felt a long time ago.
Bartow Downtown Commercial District
The Bartow Downtown Commercial District includes many old shops and businesses in downtown Bartow. These buildings were built mostly in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They show what a busy town center looked like back then.
Davenport Historic District
The Davenport Historic District in Davenport has many historic homes and buildings. It gives visitors a glimpse into the town's early days.
Lake Wales Commercial Historic District
The Lake Wales Commercial Historic District includes many of the old shops and offices in the heart of Lake Wales. These buildings were built when the town was first growing. They show the unique style of architecture from that time.
Munn Park Historic District
In Lakeland, the Munn Park Historic District surrounds a lovely park. Many old buildings, including shops and offices, are around the park. This area was the original center of Lakeland.
Unique Homes and Buildings
Polk County also has many individual historic homes and other special buildings.
Auburndale Citrus Growers Association Packing House
The Auburndale Citrus Growers Association Packing House in Auburndale is a reminder of Florida's citrus industry. This building was where oranges and grapefruits were prepared for shipping. It shows the importance of agriculture to the region.
Chalet Suzanne
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Chalet Suzanne near Lake Wales is a very unique place. It's a hotel and restaurant with a distinct European style. It was built in the 1930s and has a charming, old-world feel.
Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven was one of Florida's first theme parks. It opened in 1936 and was famous for its beautiful gardens, water ski shows, and Southern belles. It's now part of Legoland Florida.
Dixie Walesbilt Hotel
The Dixie Walesbilt Hotel in Lake Wales is a grand old hotel. It was built in 1926 and was once a very fancy place to stay. It shows the architectural style of the 1920s.
Polk Theatre
The Polk Theatre in Lakeland is a beautiful old movie palace. It opened in 1928 and still hosts shows and movies today. Its design is very detailed and grand.
Thompson and Company Cigar Factory
The Thompson and Company Cigar Factory in Bartow was built in 1920. It was once a place where cigars were made. This factory shows the history of industry in the area.
Images for kids
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Auburndale Citrus Growers Association Packing House
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Ephriam M. Baynard House
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Beacon Hill-Alta Vista Residential District
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Biltmore-Cumberland Historic District
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Lawrence Brown House
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B. K. Bullard House
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Casa De Josefina
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Central Avenue School
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Christ Church in Fort Meade
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Church of the Holy Spirit
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Cleveland Court School
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John F. Cox Grammar School
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Davenport Historic District
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Dixieland Historic District
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Downtown Haines City Commercial District
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Downtown Winter Haven Historic District
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East Lake Morton Residential District
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El Retiro
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First Baptist Church
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Fort Meade Historic District
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Griffin Grammar School
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Henley Field Ball Park
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Benjamin Franklin Holland House
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Homeland School
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Interlaken Historic Residential District
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Holland Jenks House
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C. L. Johnson House
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Lake Hunter Terrace Historic District
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Lake Mirror Promenade
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Lake of the Hills Community Club
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Lake Wales City Hall
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Lake Wales Historic Residential District
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W. Henry Lewis House
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Mann Manor
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Mountain Lake Colony House
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Mountain Lake Estates Historic District
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North Avenue Historic District
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Northeast Bartow Residential District
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Oak Hill Cemetery
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Oates Building
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Old Central Grammar School
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Old Dundee ACL Railroad Depot
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Old Frostproof High School
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Old Haines City National Guard Armory
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Polk Hotel
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Pope Avenue Historic District
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St. Mark's Episcopal Church
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South Bartow Residential District
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South Florida Military College
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South Lake Morton Historic District
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John J. Swearingen House
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G. V. Tillman House
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Winston School
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Winter Haven Heights Historic Residential District
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Woman's Club of Winter Haven
