Named after the 11th president of the United States of America, Polk Country is in the northwestern part of the state of Georgia. Within this county lies three cities, namely: Aragon, Cedartown, and Rockmart, and borders other GA counties like Bartow, Floyd, Haralson, and Paulding, as well as Alabama counties of Cherokee and Cleburne.
It was created via an act of the Georgia General Assembly on December 20, 1851, and is the 96th county of the state, with Cedartown being selected as the county seat.
Historic Buildings
With Polk County’s rich history, you would certainly expect that the most popular building attractions are the historic ones. Listed below are some of them – just bear in mind that you’ll need an amazing rural mortgage broker to buy one of these pieces of history.
West Cinema
West Cinema or West Theater can be one of the most fascinating and unique cinemas out there. It originally belonged to LAM Amusement Company and was designed by the Tucker & Howell architectural firm and its allegory, the “Drama & Music” found at the entrance was a handiwork by the sculptor Julian Hoke Harris from Carrollton, Georgia.
This place shows classic and latest films, especially first-run movies, but later on, kept up with the digital technology in its twin screen.
Built in 1941, it is one true example of an Art Deco style. It features historic details like the chandeliers in the lobby, while the walls are adorned with 50’s and 60’s movie cards.
It has gone through a lot of color changes but usually stays true to its theme of black and white. However, Ken Browning, the owner, said that the color closest to the original was the current palette.
St. James Episcopal Church
The first service held in Cedartown happened in 1878 by a small group of Episcopalians. However, the church building wasn’t erected until five years later on West Avenue which started with just a frame without any adornment and amenities. From the photo above, it looks like they’re in need of a good roof cleaning service.
The building was only completed in 1884 when it had been accessorized with hand-carved rails in the altar, as well as appropriate pews. The first official worship service happened on April 27, 1884, in the new church building. As the church grows over the years, services have not been limited to this structure alone, but in different commercial buildings, other churches, and even in homes.
Polk County Historical Society Museum & Gardens
If you are a history enthusiast, this museum might excite you. It houses abundant displays of the county’s distant past.
If you search on Google, you might not see a lot of information about it. That’s because it was formerly known as Hawkes Children’s Library. It was founded by the optometrist and inventor, Albert King Hawkes, hence the name. He was known in the state as a philanthropist and advocate of theater and libraries for children.
This building was built in 1924 and designed by an architect from the state, Neel Reid. It features a Cherokee Indian exhibit, and displays of celebrity pride of Polk County like Sterling Holloway, among others.
On November 24, 1980, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Polk County Courthouse #2
There was a previous Courthouse in Van Wert which was built around 1838. However, following the proclamation of Cedar Town as the county’s seat in 1851, the former owner of the land, Asa Priors, who was one of the first settlers who arrived in 1837, sold it to the government with the intention of constructing a new courthouse.
So, in Cedartown, the courthouse was constructed the following year of the county’s creation. It has served as both the City Hall and courthouse. However, it was burned down by the Union forces sometime in 1864.
The present courthouse was actually the fifth of the county as the second was constructed in 1867 and again, was burned down in 1887. The third one was a brick structure with two stories, built between 1889 and 1891. The fourth was the old City Hall now serving as County Courthouse Annex and was built between 1935 and 1936.
The Old Mill
This structure was originally used as a mill for corn and wheat and was in operation until 1945. It was built through slave labor for Asa Prior in 1848. It easily became a gathering area in Cedartown when settlers brought their crops for milling within the day.
It was later on operated as a restaurant between 1960 and 1991 by Mr. and Mrs. Stephens. Within those years, in 1984, it was used as the set for the TV drama “The Baron and the Kid” which starred actors Johnny Cash and Richard Roundtree.
It used to have several facilities for meetings, parties, and public restrooms. It was eventually purchased by Jim and Ann Madden in 1997 to serve as their place of residence.
Rockmart Woman’s Club
Located in Rockmart, Georgia, this club dates back to 1906. Eventually, in 1913, it allied with the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs. Its headquarters moved in 1922 to the permanent building that we know today. The structure was designed by an architect named W. Roy Reece.
In 1995, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and is part of another historic Polk County structure; the Cedartown Waterworks-Woman’s Building-Big Spring Park Historic District.