On June 12, 1861, Florida took a momentous step by officially seceding from the Union, joining the Confederate States of America as the Civil War loomed. This decision, driven by deep-seated regional tensions over slavery and states’ rights, marked Florida’s alignment with the Southern cause.
The state’s secession was a bold assertion of its identity, reflecting the fervor of a divided nation on the brink of conflict.
Just one month later, on July 12, 1861, Florida established Polk County, named after former U.S. President James K. Polk, whose leadership during the Mexican-American War expanded American territory. The creation of the county, carved from Hillsborough and Brevard counties, symbolized the state’s efforts to organize and strengthen its governance during a time of uncertainty.
As Florida navigated its new role in the Confederacy, Polk County’s formation laid the foundation for its growth and enduring legacy in the heart of the state.
