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The Polk County History Center is shedding light on the cattle ranching history in the county. This new exhibit opened on Tuesday June 9 and features Cattle Brand Books that date back to the 1800s.
Each book features the specific brands of the ranchers who lived in Polk County from the 1860s to the 1940s. These brands were used to identify which cattle belonged to which farm. Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Stacy Butterfield explained what the brands are, and they helped ranchers.
“[They were a way] for the ranchers to identify their livestock through their brand. So the branding books were just a way to have everybody see the branding of the cattle, it’s like a trademark, is my analogy,” Butterfield told WMNF.
Ranching families
In a larger sense, these books showcase the everlasting nature of Florida history. They show an important history of the families that have lived in Polk County for generations. With some names in the books that can be traced back decades. Highlighting the importance of cattle ranching to the Polk County area…