Construction on the old courthouse was completed in 1909, and the old courthouse now houses the Polk County Historial Museum and Genealogical library. The building was actually the third to serve Polk County and replaced the second courthouse which was built on the same site in 1883.
Hauntings
Boiler Room: An explosion in the boiler, located in one of the four basements, killed a man working in the building. Staff, cleaning crews, and visitors have reported hearing screams of pain coming from the basement.
Second Floor: The bodies of the Mann brothers, who were lynched in the street outside the courthouse for murdering Marshall Silas Campbell, were brought and displayed for several days in 1886. The second floor of the 1909 courthouse seems to be haunted by the brothers. There is a feeling of sadness there, and the brothers have been seen on the spot where the bodies were laid out. Also, near the second floor bathrooms and on the third floor, the apparition of The Lady in White has been observed by many people. It isn't known who she is
First Floor: Strange things have been observed in a room containing ancient Native American artifacts on the first floor, from cold spots to malfunctioning lights. In the actual 1909 courtroom, cold spots are felt and sometimes people feel something "brushing" against them - this might be Judge Chillingsworth, who was murdered along with his wife in West Palm Beach and whose gangster killers were tried in that courtroom.
Contact Information
(863) 534-4000
