Rural Medicine - Clinics - About Wauchula

The City of Wauchula is the county seat of Hardee County. With a population of approximately 5,300 it is also the largest city in Hardee County. Wauchula was first Fort Hartsuff, established in 1851. Wauchula is taken from an Indian word which means, "Cry of the Sandhill Crane".

Three shopping cents, a 5,200 seat agri-civic center complex, a library and post office and an excellent medical facility are part of Wauchula's growth. The City has two grammar schools, one middle school and one High School. Wauchula is the center for many Hardee County activities, the weekly newspaper, a shopping guide paper, and a radio station.

Hardee County today is one of the country's prime agricultural centers. It's abundant produce, prize-winning livestock and high quality citrus is in great demand. It is centrally located in Florida. We are 75 miles southwest of Disney World, 40 miles south of Cyrpess Gardens and Lakeland and 70 miles southeast of Tampa. Its' 403,200 acres are home to 24,000 people, who enjoy affordable housing, clean air and water, safe streets, friendly neighbors and plenty of "hometown" fun. A new 17 acre industrial park, a new post office and civic center complex ... expanded water treatment ... up-to-date medical facilities ... are just a few of the steps we have taken toward planned and positive growth.

History
The early settlement patterns in Hardee County were scattered. In order to protect these early settlers two forts were established. Fort Hartsuff in 1851 and Fort Green in 1856. The first known settlement was an Indian trading post on Paynes Creek, in 1849. A few months later a band of outlaw Indians killed two of the clerks and burned the post. Fort Chokonikla was established at Bowling Green in 1849.

The Florida Southern Railway extended from Bartow to Punta Gorda and came to the County in 1886. On April 23, 1921, county division of old DeSoto County resulted in the creation of Hardee County. Wauchula was chosen as the county seat.

The beautiful Peace River flows through Hardee County, turning and twisting on it's way to the sea at Charlotte Harbor. It is said to have received it's name from the middle 1800's when the Seminole Wars still raged. With the treaty of 1839, the Indians were given all the land east of Peace River. Along the Peace River, canoes glide between the banks enjoying the birds and the soft foliage.

Azalea Hill was built as the home of the Albert Carlton family and first occupied in 1903. The Carlton family and their descendants have continued to live there for the past 88 years. Eli English, founder of Wauchula, was married to Albert Carlton's sister, Priscilla. Mr. and Mrs. English came to this area in 1874 and this property was part of his homestead. Albert Carlton purchased the property from his brother-in-law Eli English. In 1990, Azalea Hill, consisting of 32 acres, received the Pioneer Century Farm Award from the State of Florida as a continuous farm for 115 years. Also in 1990, the farm (residence and acreage) were designated as a historical property by the State of Florida. This year, 1991, Azalea Hill is expected to be accepted as a historical site by the Federal National Register. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Underwood, descendants of Albert Carlton, now reside at Azalea Hill.

There's always something for everyone such as: the annual Hardee County Fair and Pioneer Park Days celebration to the Junior Women's Club Art Show and Friday night high school football games. The agri-civic complex features a 1500-seat auditorium, rodeo arena, swimming pool, kitchen, three softball fields, baseball field, playground, racquetball courts and fair grounds. It is the site of the Hardee County Fair, held in March each year. Pioneer Park Days is also held every March. This "Old Time Country Fair" features a flea market with free entertainment and exhibits, and the largest display of antique engines and cars in the southeast.

Fishing, camping, boating, swimming are favorite activities in Hardee County, much of it done along Peace River. This historic river, featured in National Geographic as one of American's "wild and scenic rivers", meanders throughout the county and has been the source of numerous Indian artifacts and fossils finds.

At present, Hardee County has over 3,000 spaces for recreational vehicle parking. RV complexes feature their own recreation centers and an on-going slate of events such as square dances, shuffleboard tournaments, group trips to area attractions, and theme parties.

Hardee County even has it's own castle-an elaborate edifice designed by nationally-acclaimed metal sculptor Howard Solomon. Located southwest of Zolfo Springs, the castle is open to the public and is becoming a favorite retreat of artists, writers and nature lovers. Tennis courts, golf courses, several parks are some of the array of recreational activities in Hardee County.

Services
Hardee Memorial Hospital provides a system of high quality primary healthcare services for the people of our area. It ensures a team of competent, caring physicians and other healthcare providers delivering care in a professional manner, and it encourages community involvement which promotes support, service and responsibility.

Hardee Memorial Hospital is an acute care, 50 bed facility located in Wauchula, offering a wide range of medical services to the community. The Hospital maintains a 24-hour emergency room that is staffed at all times by a physician and support staff.