This historic courthouse and current History Center in Bartow City has been the county seat of Polk County since 1867. Its massive structure reflects a period when counties in the South were asserting their permanence through monumental architecture. The Classical Revival composition of the building features a symmetrical facade, classical detailing, and a clock tower. Unfortunately, it is closed on Mondays, which can be inconvenient for visitors.
The building now houses the Polk County History Center, offering regular architectural tours that highlight the structure's Neo-Classical features and the stories behind its construction. A historical marker out front provides a brief history of the county and the courthouse. The area has a rich history, with the county's seat of government changing several times before settling in Bartow.