Homeland Heritage Park - Homeland, Florida, USA
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BoomersOTR
N 27° 49.127 W 081° 49.737
17R E 418357 N 3077403
A historical marker at the entrance to Homeland Heritage Park in Homeland, Florida.
Waymark Code: WM1C6AC
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 06/14/2025
Views: 0
HOMELAND HERITAGE PARK'S BEGINNING
Homeland Heritage Park officially opened its doors on March 26, 1985. The School Board of Polk County donated the Homeland School building and the surrounding property to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners with the understanding that a historic park would be created on the site. At that time, the Homeland Schoolhouse was the only building at the park. It's also the only building at the park that sets on its original foundation. Since its opening, six historic buildings have been moved onto the park to join the school. They include: The Homeland Methodist Church, the Raulerson House, the English Log Cabin, the Homeland Methodist Church Annex, the Homeland Methodist Church Parsonage and the English Pole Barn.
FROM BETHEL TO HOMELAND
The present church building always bore the name Homeland Methodist Church. It was built after the community of Bethel had its name changed to Homeland by an Irish peddler named Jack McCormick. When he arrived at the Bethel Community, he looked about him and said, "This place looks more like my homeland that any place I have seen." The name caught on. In 1883, the name Homeland was nailed to the train depot by a stationmaster. On Sept. 7, 1885, it was made official by the United States Postmaster. The new post office established on that date bore the name of Homeland, Florida.
TEACHING POLK COUNTY'S HISTORY
Today, the park is maintained by Polk County Parks and Natural Resources, and remains an important part of Homeland's community. It is used for community special events, private gatherings, and to teach students the history of Polk County.
Note: A QR code is located on the bottom of this historical marker that can be scanned to watch a video with more historic facts.
Marker Number: 0
Date: 1985
County: Polk
Marker Type: Other
Sponsored or placed by: Polk County and Florida Department of State/Division of Historical Resources
Website: [Web Link]
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