The City of Bartow began as Fort Blount in 1851 as a refuge from the Seminole. The first permanent settlers came to the area in 1850. In 1861, the first Board of Polk County Commissioners was organized. During the early months of 1867, the County Commissioners made the decision that the seat of government for Polk County would be Bartow, in honor of the first general to fall in the Civil War. The area is one of the largest phosphate producing industrial complexes in the world. Polk County produces more citrus than the State of California, and Bartow has large herds of range, registered beef, and dairy cattle. In addition, a growing light industry segment's financial impact increases annually.

Bartow offers a variety of culture and dinning for its residents. There are both major restaurant chains and locally owned restaurants along with entertainment from the Imperial Symphony Orchestra. Housing in Bartow is easily affordable with a variety of housing options to choose from with almost 500 apartments and homes starting around 100k everyone can find their perfect dream home.