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The Polk County Historical Association is celebrating a milestone in Polk County’s history.

 

On Monday, January 20, the county will turn 165 years old. Come learn about the formation of Polk County, which was carved out of the wilderness. The program begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Polk County Historical Museum.

 

Originally created in 1847, Polk County was in turmoil because the citizens could not agree on where to locate the county seat. This led to Polk County being abolished in 1849. In 1855, Polk County was recreated from portions of Henderson and Rutherford Counties. This unusual fact may cause Polk County to have the distinction of being the only North Carolina county that was created, abolished and recreated a second time.

 

PCHA’s January program will help answer many questions about our county. Who is Polk County named for? Where did the town of Schuywicker go? How did the location of the present county seat of Columbus come about? How did Columbus get its name?

 

What individuals played key roles in the early days of the county? Who was Marvil Mills, William Jones, Pulaski Williams, Columbus Mills, John W Hampton and Chesterfield McKinney? Take part in the January 7 presentation and learn more.

 

The Polk County Historical Museum is located at 60 Walker Street in downtown Columbus. The public is invited and as always there is no charge to attend. 

 

Submitted by John Vining

 

Polk County’s first jail was constructed by the same builders of the 1859 historic courthouse. Come learn more about the early days of our county’s formation.