Bartow, the city of oaks and azaleas, where history has come alive since 1851, holds a long and colorful history. Forests of oak and pine flank the tranquil stream, which was named Peace by the Spanish Conquistadors. The site, untouched except by the footprint of the Seminole and untamed wildlife, drew the pioneer Blount family to give permanence to a fledgling community by building a place of refuge. First called Fort Blount and alternately Peace Creek, the Civil War and the munificence of cattleman Jacob Summerlin denominated Bartow and ensured its establishment as the county seat of Polk County. Cattle, citrus, railroads, and phosphate, coupled with hard-working, enterprising citizens, provided the catalyst to economic independence. Through war, peace, depression, and boom, Bartow's history is reflected in its places and in the people whose deeds built a city in the wilderness. Images of America: Bartow contains a portrait of history in the continuing growth of a city unveiled by photographic images.
