Lake Wales, Florida
A history of Lake Wales
The dates, places and people that shaped the town on the ridge. Pair it with the Influence Map to see who shapes it now.
1911
The Lake Wales Land Company lays out a town
Surveyors and investors plat a new town on the Lake Wales Ridge beside Lake Wailes, one of the highest points in peninsular Florida.
1915
Mountain Lake begins
Frederick S. Ruth starts developing Mountain Lake as a winter colony, bringing the Olmsted Brothers firm to shape its landscape.
See the Influence Map profile →1917
Lake Wales incorporates
The settlement becomes the City of Lake Wales, setting up the civic government that still runs the town.
See the Influence Map profile →1924–1926
The Rhodesbilt Arcade is built
During the Florida land boom, Jesse T. "Good" Rhodes builds the Mediterranean Revival arcade running from Park Avenue through to Stuart Avenue. WorkLW works out of Suite 37 today.
1927
The Walesbilt Hotel opens
The hotel at Park Avenue and 1st Street becomes downtown's tallest landmark.
1929
Bok Tower is dedicated
Edward Bok's Singing Tower and sanctuary gardens, landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., are dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on February 1, 1929.
See the Influence Map profile →1968
Warner Southern College is founded
The college that is now Warner University opens on the south side of town.
See the Influence Map profile →1990
Downtown joins the National Register
The Lake Wales Commercial Historic District, including the Arcade, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
See the Influence Map profile →1993
Bok Tower becomes a National Historic Landmark
The tower and gardens receive the nation's highest historic designation.
See the Influence Map profile →