1879History
By 1879, the land around the present city was surveyed again by Sidney Irving Wailes, an agent for the Florida Land and Improvement Co., who changed the name of a lake, then kno...
1911Government
=== Settlement ===
The city of Lake Wales was established near the lake in 1911–1912, planned by the Lake Wales Land Company.
1917Government
The City of Lake Wales was officially incorporated as a town in May 1917.
1925Architecture
=== Florida Land Boom ===
In 1925, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad built a new line from Haines City joining lines to Everglades City.
1928Architecture
A depot was opened on this line at Lake Wales in 1928.
2004Disaster
=== 21st century ===
In 2004, Lake Wales endured the effects of three hurricanes which came through the area: Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Jeanne.
2008Government
Bok Academy Middle opened in the Fall of 2008 to create a seamless K–12 charter system.
2009Education
Alexander Center, a satellite campus of Polk State College is located in downtown Lake Wales in 2009.
2010History
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 14,225 people, 5,710 households, and 3,712 families residing in the city.
2016History
=== Law enforcement ===
In 2016, a Lake Wales police officer, Travis Worley, was accused by a whistleblower on the Lake Wales police force of calling a black suspect a "nigger".
2017Disaster
In 2017, Hurricane Irma brought more hurricane-force winds to Lake Wales.
2019History
In 2019, he was named Lake Wales’ Officer of the Year.
2020History
== Demographics ==
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 16,361 people, 6,363 households, and 4,015 families residing in the city.
2022Government
The current mayor is Jack Hilligoss, who took office in May 2022.