Acton, Florida Explained

Acton was a community in Polk County, Florida, United States. The town was situated two miles east of Lakeland, which it preceded. It was a settlement of English people from Great Britain.[1] It was established in 1884 named for Lord Acton. The community began dispersing to Lakeland in 1889 and disappeared after the great freeze of 1894. A historical marker in Interlachen Park commemorates its history.

The South Florida Railroad advertised a route through the community.[2] An episcopal church was built in the community and later moved to Lakeland.[3]

History

Acton was platted in 1884, and named for Lord Acton.[4] A post office was established at Acton in 1884, and remained in operation until 1889.[5] Construction of a railroad shifted business activity to nearby Lakeland, and the town's population dwindled.[6]

See also

References

28.0533°N -137°W

Notes and References

  1. Book: Morris, Allen. Florida Place Names: Alachua to Zolfo Springs. October 17, 2015. Rowman & Littlefield. 9781561648399. Google Books.
  2. Web site: The American Angler. May 3, 1887. Angler's Publishing Company, Limited.. Google Books.
  3. Web site: History of Florida: Past and Present, Historical and Biographical. Harry Gardner. Cutler. May 3, 1923. Lewis Publishing Company. Google Books.
  4. News: Acton – a vanished community . Lakeland Ledger . May 19, 1982 . 7 June 2015 . Sawyer, Martha F. . 3C.
  5. Web site: Polk County . Jim Forte Postal History . 7 June 2015.
  6. News: Conversation pieces: Polk history about towns lost and found . Lakeland Ledger . Jun 1, 1988 . 7 October 2015 . Sawyer, Martha F. . 10C.