TOWN OF LAKE HAMILTON

Visit the Town of Lake Hamilton's Website: www.townoflakehamilton.com/

About Lake Hamilton History of Lake Hamilton
(Source: Lake Hamilton Woman’s Club Centennial Calendar):

Lake Hamilton was named for the beautiful Lake of 35 miles of shoreline, one of the largest in the state, on which it is located. The Lake was previously called Lake Hambleton. Bonars Island was the residence of Chief Chipco’s tribe of Creek and Seminole Indians during the Indian troubles of 1854-1856. Chief Chipco refused to fight the white man encamped on the island until he was warned by a friendly settler of an impending attack for bounty of $380 each Indian. He later lived on Lake Pierce where he died and was succeeded by chief Tallahassee. A monument in the park on Lake Hamilton reads, “In memory of Chief Chipco. Lover of peace, friend of the white man. His Seminole Indian village was located on Bonar’s Island in Lake Hamilton 1855. Dedicated by the Ponce De Leon Chapter, daughters of the American Revolution, Winter Haven, Florida, 1957.” Chipco was regarded as one of the first chiefs to assimilate into the white man’s world. He was sometimes seen on the streets of Haines City.

President Grover Cleveland later fished with success in Lake Hamilton, most likely when he dedicated Bok Tower in 1929.
The community was established in 1913 with the first residence built by William Hosmer who also put up a store building. That December, the County School board voted $300 toward a schoolhouse with residents to cover expenses above that amount. The A.C.L. railroad completed a station in April 1914, and a post office was established in October the same year. Giley and Tichnor put up a two-story building for general merchandising. The Woman’s Club was begun in 1915 along with a Board of Trade which included 40 members in 1915. In October 1916, the Ornamental League gave R.T. Wedding the contract for platting the town, boulevarding three lakes, and beautifying the depot and school grounds. (From Thriving Small Cities)

Although the town did not thrive into a metropolis, current Lake Hamilton which was chartered in 1925 has a population over 1400, a local post office, a restaurant, and several along Scenic Highway and Highway 27. The town was founded with many Swedish immigrants and northers families, and now boasts a diverse population. The town is conveniently located close to Lake Wales (Bok Tower), Haines City, and Winter Haven (Legoland). Residents enjoy small town living among the many lakes. The scent of orange blossoms and other flowers still prevail.

Council Meetings:
First Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM
Meetings will be held at the Town Hall
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Town CouncilMichael W. Kehoe
Mayor
mayor@townoflakehamilton.com

Cora Perry Roberson
Vice Mayor, Councilseat 1
seat1@townoflakehamilton.com

Marlene Wagner
Council Member Seat 4
seat4@townoflakehamilton.com

Larry Dale Tomlinson
Council Member Seat 2
seat2@townoflakehamilton.com

Patrick Slavens
Council Member Seat 3
seat3@townoflakehamilton.com