The City of Bartow began as Fort Blount in 1851 as a refuge from the Seminole Indians. The first permanent white settlers came to the area in 1850. In 1861, the first Board of Polk County Commissioners was organized. During the early months of 1867, with full approval of the settlers, the County Commissioners made the decision that the seat of government for Polk County would be known as Bartow, named in honor of the first confederate 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.
The city is governed by a commission and city manager. Five commissioners are elected, one of whom is chosen as mayor. The city manager is appointed by the commission. Regular meetings are held monthly on the first and third Mondays, 6:30pm at City Hall.