Just like its namesake Rome, Italy, the city of Rome, Georgia is situated on seven hills surrounding three rivers. This quite scenic setting converges on a vibrant active downtown that rivals any large city.
The city of Rome dates back to 1835, when the name was officially adopted by European settlers. The area was inhabited by Native Americans as far back as 1000 B.C. and Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto is known to have traveled through the area during his 1540 expedition.
Rome is considered the starting point for General Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea” campaign during the War Between the States.
Today’s Rome is a forward-looking tourist destination that keeps a watchful remembering eye over its history.
The area has numerous attractions worth visiting, but here are a few on –
Wil’s Do-Not-Miss List
- Berry College (pictured above)
This private institution boasts the largest college campus in the world, and it is stunning. You might actually recognize it from movies such as “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Remember the Titans.”
- Myrtle Hill Cemetery
The cemetery dating back to 1857 is set atop one of Rome’s seven hills and offers amazing views of the city.
There are numerous notable graves to visit including: former First Lady of the United States, Ellen Axson Wilson; John Wisdom (aka The Paul Revere of the South); and Private Charles W. Graves “America’s Known Soldier.”
The cemetery offers a free app tour of the historic graves.
- Downtown Rome
“The Father of Naval Aviation” John Henry Towers
There are shops, restaurants, bakeries, bookstores, theaters, pubs, and pretty much everything you want in a vibrant downtown.
It is pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, and canine lovers will find many “Paws Permitted” stickers around the area.
And of course, you can’t have a proper downtown without historical monuments.
The one honoring “The Father of Naval Aviation” John Henry Towers is of great pride to the city as is the very strange Capitoline Wolf which was donated to the city in 1929 by Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini.
Find out more about Georgia’s Rome at romegeorgia.org.
Wil Elrick hails from Guntersville, Alabama where at an early age he developed a love for both trivia and history. He has spent the last 20 odd years, fine tuning the art of communication while working in law enforcement, writing, television media, historical research, and public speaking. He lives in North Alabama with his two boys, and a neurotic German Shepherd Dog. He one day hopes that Bigfoot is proven real. Wil’s new book Alabama Scoundrels is available from History Press.
