History of Polk County, North Carolina in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 26, 2025

Polk County, North Carolina, had a population of 19,328 as of the 2020 census. Columbus serves as its county seat. The county is located within the U.S. state of North Carolina.

1916: 1916 Election

In 1916, Polk County voted for Charles Even Hughes.

1920: 1920 Election

In 1920, Polk County voted for James M. Cox.

1976: Completion of I-26

Prior to the delayed completion of I-26 in 1976, US 176 served as the primary highway linking Saluda and Tryon to Hendersonville and Spartanburg, SC.

2000: Largest self-reported ancestry/ethnicity groups in Polk County

As of the 2000 census, the largest self-reported ancestry/ethnicity groups in Polk County were recorded.

2000: 2000 census

In 2000, the census recorded 18,324 people, 7,908 households, and 5,337 families residing in Polk County.

December 2001: Norfolk Southern Suspends Freight Traffic

In December 2001, Norfolk Southern indefinitely suspended freight traffic on the Saluda Grade, a very steep railway grade.

2012: Registrar of Deeds

As of 2012, Sheila Whitmire is the Registrar of Deeds for Polk County.

2016: 2016 Elections

In 2016, during the Republican Primary in Polk County, Donald Trump received 1,624 votes and Ted Cruz came in second with 1,135 votes. In the Democratic Primary, Bernie Sanders received 1,123 votes and Hillary Clinton won 1,099 votes. In the general election Donald Trump received 6,768 votes, Hillary Clinton received 3,735 votes and Gary Johnson received 272 votes.