Polk County has sent soldiers to serve in every U.S. war since the War for Texas Independence. In 1861, 1,500 soldiers from Polk County entered Confederate service. Museum exhibits include Civil War weapons, Confederate currency and letters written by soldiers.
There are also World War I and II displays featuring an authentic bomber jacket, Maxim machine gun and other field equipment. James Parker from Polk County was a member of the famous WWII bomber group, the Doolittle Raiders.