Rome, Georgia: Georgia's City of Seven Hills

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Ranked #123 in Local, #15,965 overall

Named by drawing a name out of a hat, this small North Georgia town (Rome, Georgia, USA), has a history much bigger than its size. It's name could have been Pittsburg, Hamburg, Hillsboro, or Warsaw but Colonel Mitchell's name of Rome was pulled out of the hat. How appropriate, because like ancient Rome, it is a city of seven hills.

Indicative of its past importance, the home of Cherokee Indian chief Major Ridge is now preserved as a part of the National Park Service's "Trail of Tears National Historic Trail".

The savageness with which the major part of the "Cherokee Nation" was forcefully marched to a new settlement in "Indian Country" in present day Oklahoma is a black mark on all of our Southern heritage.

Settled at the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers which then became the Coosa River, it had been used as a settlement for local Indians for a long time prior to the White Man's arrival.

In this lens, I am going to hit some of the highlights of Rome's (and Floyd County)history, the local sites of interest, and it's relationship to Rome, Italy (there is one!).

And, the clock tower picture, there's a story on that also. It has become a symbol of Rome, Georgia since 1872.

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For those on FACEBOOK already or who might wish to join, there is a very interesting group entitled: "You know you're from Rome if ...." The comments will bring back a lot of memories for "Romans" and give a little insight into "Romans" for those who aren't from Rome.

There is also another FACEBOOK group of interest to Romans called Georgia's Rome. I also joined this one.
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[Here is the Link to "You know you're from Rome if . . . "]

[Here is the Link to Georgia's Rome]

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There Really Are . . .

Seven Hills And Three Rivers In Rome, Georgia!

Here They Are!

Head Of The Coosa River 


On the left is the Oostanaula River and on the right is the Etowah. They come together at this point to form the Coosa River (in the foreground).

It was here in this area that an Indian settlement by the name Head Of The Coosa was located. Check out the lens on it here.

Summary Article on Rome, Georgia 

The Oostanaula River is seen here flowing toward it's Coosa River termination point (In the picture's background). The head of the Coosa River is just past the third bridge.

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rome is the largest city and the county seat of Floyd County, Georgia, United States. It is the principal city of the Rome, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Floyd County. At the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 34,980, and was the largest city in Northwest Georgia.

Though no Interstate highway passes through Rome, it is the largest city near the center of the triangular area defined by the Interstate highways between Atlanta, Birmingham and Chattanooga, which contributes to its importance as a regional center in several areas, such as medical care and education.

Rome's name is a commemoration of the Italian city of Rome. Rome, Georgia, was built on seven hills with a river running between them, a feature that was an inspiration for the name. This connection is emphasized by a replica of the statue of Romulus and Remus nursing from a mother wolf, a symbol of the original Rome, which was a 1929 gift from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.UGA article on statue of Romulus and Remus

 

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Broad Street: South From Sixth Avenue 

Some Local (Official And Unofficial) Web Sites 

These resources provide more detailed information on different aspects of Rome's government, and tourism.
Rome Convention & Tourism Bureau
Go here for Tourism and Convention information.
City of Rome Georgia Government Site
This official site of Rome's Government provides information on governmental structure, links to governmental divisions, etc.
Our Georgia History
This site gives a brief synopsis of Rome's history from 1540 when visited by Spanish Conquistador Hernando DeSoto in 1540 until the 2002 release of "Sweet Home Alabama" which was partially filmed in Rome's Berry College.

What's The Local Weather In Rome, Georgia? 

The Rome, Italy Connections! 

Like Rome, Italy; Rome, Georgia is the city of seven hills. Like the Tiber flowing through Rome, Italy, our Rome has three important rivers intersecting sections of the city.

The connection with Rome, Italy is further emphasized by a replica of the statue of Romulus and Remus nursing from a mother wolf, a symbol of the original Rome. This was a 1929 gift from the Roman Governor, by order of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

The Capitoline Wolf was presented from ancient Rome (Italy) to modern Rome (Georgia) on July 20, 1929 by Dr. Marco Biroli of Soie De Chatillon (a silk mill in Milan, Italy), whose Rome division of his corporation, Celanese Corporation of America sealed the connection between the two cities. Four years later, one of the twins was stolen and neither the thief nor the twin was ever found. Italy however replaced the twin.

During the second World War, the statue, due to threats to destroy it, had to be removed from public view and stored away for safety. It was stored from 1940, when Italy declared war on the Allies, until September 8, 1952. It is back out again, now prominently displayed at the entrance to the Municipal Building of the City of Rome.

The Capitoline Wolf

The Story of Romulus and Remus

The Story Of Romulus and Remus 

Category: File - :She-wolf suckles Romulus and Remus.jpg|thumb| Capitoline Wolf (Etruscan, 5th century BC, -some modern scholars disputing this date-) with figures of Romulus and Remus added in the 15th century

Romulus and Remus (traditionally c. 771 BCThe exact alleged date of the birth of Romulus and Remus is unknown. Plutarch says that Romulus was fifty-three ("in the fifty-fourth year of his age") at his death in 717 BC. If true, then Romulus and Remus would have been born in the year 771 BC, and have begun the founding of Rome at the age of 18.?c. 717 BC and c. 771 BC?c. 753 BC respectively) are the traditional founders of Rome, appearing in Roman mythology as the twin sons of the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia, fathered by the god of war, Mars. According to the tradition recorded as history by Plutarch and Livy, Romulus served as the first King of Rome.

Romulus slew Remus with a shovel over a dispute about which one of the two brothers had the support of the local deities to rule the new city and give it his name. The name they gave the city was Rome. Supposedly, Romulus had stood on one hill and Remus another, and a circle of birds flew over Romulus, signifying that he should be king. After founding Rome, Romulus not only created the Roman Legions and the Roman Senate, but also added citizens to his new city by abducting the women of the neighboring Sabine tribes, which resulted in the mixture of the Sabines and Romans into one people. Romulus would become one of ancient Rome's greatest conquerors, adding large amounts of territory and people to the dominion of Rome.

After his death, Romulus was deified as the god Quirinus, the divine persona of the Roman people. As a mythological figure, his historical basis is disputed, and it is supposed that his name is a back-formation from the name Rome. Some scholars, notably Andrea Carandini, believe in the historicity of Romulus, in part because of the 1988 discovery of the Murus Romuli on the north slope of the Palatine Hill in Rome.Carandini. La nascita di Roma. Dèi, lari, eroi e uomini allalba di una civiltà (Torino: Einaudi, 1997) and Carandini. Remo e Romolo. Dai rioni dei Quiriti alla città dei Romani (775/750 - 700/675 a. C. circa)'' (Torino: Einaudi, 2006)

Romulus and Remus are pre-eminent among the famous feral children in mythology and fiction.

Rome Is Noted For Its Exceptional Educational And Medical Facilities

Rome Is A Significant Center of Education In Northwest Georgia 

Rome is noted for having several important colleges and technical schools. Four of the higher educational establishments are: Shorter College, Berry College, Coosa Valley Technical college, and Georgia Highlands College, in the order of their founding.

Shorter College: Alfred Shorter, who moved to Rome from Eufaula, Alabama in 1837, built a white mansion in 1847, Thornwood, on what is now Shorter Avenue, and many times I admired it as I walked to school. He was to become significant to education in the area, when as a major financial donor, he participated in the formation of the Cherokee Baptist Female College, now known as Shorter College. Shorter College has usually somewhere around 1,000 students enrolled. Founded 1873.

Berry College: Martha Berry, the second born of eight children to Thomas Berry and Frances Rhea, was to become a dominant force in education in the Rome area during her life. Berry College is recognized as one of the outstanding comprehensive colleges in the South. Founded 1902.

Coosa Valley Technical College:This is a public two year technical school with close to 5,000 students. Coosa Valley Tech also has campuses in Calhoun and Rockmart, Georgia. Founded in 1962.

Georgia Highlands College: Formerly known as Floyd County Community College, and Floyd College, Georgia Highlands College is a two year public college which is part of the University System of Georgia. It has around 4,000 students enrolled. Founded in 1970.

The pre-college public educational programs are divided into two groups of schools: Rome City Schools and Floyd County Schools. For a list of public and private schools in the Rome Area (with links to them), go to the Local Schools Directory site.

Rome Is Also Noted For It's Medical Facilities 

There are three major medical facilities in the Rome/Floyd County area.

The first historically was Harbin Clinic. Dr. Robert Maxwell Harbin and his brother, Dr. William Pickens Harbin, founded the Harbin Hospital in 1908. It is now known as Harbin Clinic and has over 25 facilities in the area.

Floyd Medical Center was built by county labor and funded by the citizens of Floyd County. What was then called Floyd Hospital opened its doors on July 4, 1942. It has been expanding significantly through the years and serves Rome, Floyd County, and parts of Alabama.

"Redmond Regional Medical Center is a 230 bed acute care facility, serving as a referral source for all of northwest Georgia and parts of Alabama. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Including its healthcare partners, Redmond has over 245 physicians with more than 30 specialties and a support staff of approximately 1,200 associates."

NOTE: In the memory of older Rome residents a fourth hospital; McCall Hospital, where many of the local births occurred in the forties and fifties, is still vivid. [It was there that several of the author's siblings were born]. It closed its doors in December of 1978 and its 50 beds were moved to Redmond Regional Medical Center.

McCall Hospital was opened in 1927 by Dr. John Turner, Sr. on South Broad Street It remained in operation until after his son's death in 1977. It was converted into a 32 unit apartment complex which as of 2006 was used for low income housing. The Shenango China that McCall Hospital used for its patients is now a collector's item.

Floyd Medical Center Entrance

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Other Points of Interest

Floyd County Courthouse, Rome, Georgia

Other Local Area Attractions To Visit 

1. The Forum--A Civic Center Complex: "Located in Rome's historic downtown district on the scenic banks of the Oostanaula River, The Forum offers a versatile 34,300 square feet of exhibit space, a 4,000 seat arena, and spacious banquet areas. Break-out rooms of all sizes can comfortably accommodate groups from 5 to 5,000".

2. Myrtle Hill Cemetery: During the Civil War, what is now Myrtle Hill Cemetery was Fort Stovall. From the top of Myrtle Hill, one could see much of Rome. It was afterwards used as a cemetary, and contains the gravesite of many Confederate soldiers as well as President Woodrow Wilson's first wife Ellen Louise Axson.



3. Berry College Campus: "Berry College is an independent, coeducational college with fully accredited arts, sciences and professional programs plus specialized graduate programs in education and business administration. The college is recognized as one of the outstanding comprehensive colleges in the South."Note: I have also done a separate Squidoo lens on Berry College.



4. Cave Spring, Georgia: is located fifteen miles southwest of Rome, on Hwy 411, South.

"Cave Spring's original claim to fame is its namesake mineral spring, flowing from the cave in Rolater Park, its 29 acre site having been given to the citizens of Cave Spring by Dr. Joseph B. Rolater. Little Cedar Creek also flows through the park and town. The park has covered pavilions and picnic tables for rent under beautiful trees, near the flowing waters, perfect for family reunions, with a playground available for the amusement of the children, and of course, wading. Feeding the fish (bream, trout, etc.) and ducks in the large spring fed pond is also a perennial favorite, Food being available at the cave for a very nominal fee. Several citizens have donated beautiful memorial benches for the grounds and comfort of visitors. The Park Board is continuously updating the facilities for the enjoyment of all."



Cave Spring is also the home for the Georgia School For The Deaf. Established in 1846, it is a state-funded residential school operating under the auspices of the Office of Special Services of the Georgia State Department of Education and the Georgia State Board of Education. The campus was used as a field hospital for both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War. It has now been

Slide Show Of Rome Georgia And Area Attractions 

curated content from Flickr

Purchase These Books For Extensive Information On Rome, Georgia 

"When You Really Do Need To Know More"

A History of Rome and Floyd County, Georgia 1540-1922

Amazon Price: $45.00 (as of 12/26/2009) Buy Now

Georgia's Rome: A Brief History

Romans have always been justifiably proud of their city. Located in the northwest corner of Georgia, Rome consistently ranks as one of the most livable small cities in America. Situated in the southern foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at the confluence of three rivers, its scenic beauty is matched by the progressive spirit of its citizens.

Georgia's Rome tells the stories of the city's founding, its upheaval in the Civil War, its rebirth from the ashes of that conflict, the growth of its industry and the origins of its vibrant arts community. The book also focuses on the leaders and personalities of the city, including a first lady of the United States and the father of naval aviation.

Amazon Price: $15.59 (as of 12/26/2009) Buy Now

Rome in Vintage Postcards (Postcard History: Georgia)

"When Rome was founded in 1834, Col. Daniel R. Mitchell suggested the name because of the surrounding hills, much like those of ancient Rome, Italy. Known today as ìThe City of Seven Hills,î Rome has been voted one of the most livable cities in the South. It is the medical center of Northwest Georgia with a population of over 30,000, and a thriving community with abundant opportunities for business, education, and recreation. Historic views of Rome, seen through the eyes of the traveling postcard photographer, fill the pages of this engaging volume. Longtime residents of the community will delight in remembering area landmarks, including the old Clock Tower, Shorter College, Berry College, Myrtle Hill Cemetery, the downtown business section of Broad Street, and the neighboring communities of Lindale and Cave Spring."

Amazon Price: (as of 12/26/2009) Buy Now

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Early Rome History

From Hernando DeSoto To The Civil War

D.A.R. Plaque On Founding of Floyd County, Georgia

 

"Visit By Spanish Explorer Hernando DeSoto Before Pilgrims Arrive"

On May 31, 1540, DeSoto arrives at the headwaters of the Oostanuala River in present Murray County, at a site occupied by Moundbuilders. [These moundbuilders disappeared within twenty years, and over time were replaced, first by the Creek Indians and then by the Cherokee.]

According to Spanish records, on June 4, 1540, Hernando DeSoto, along with 600 men, enters Chiaha (present day Rome, Georgia). [Check out the Annual Chiaha Festival held in Rome each October].

It was to be 300 more years, before we start getting significant activities by the white man in the Rome area. Around 1829, a group of whites illegally settled on Cherokee land along the Georgia-Alabama border just southwest of present-day Rome, Georgia.

In January of 1830,with the permission of the federal government (what else is new?), Cherokee chief Major Ridge and a band of 30 Cherokee evict the whites. This infuriated the Georgia politicians. Within two years after that the Cherokee land in North Georgia was divided by lot and white settlers became commonplace.

A move began to make the area into a formerly legislated City, and on December 20, 1834, Rome was created by the Georgia legislature.

Public Domain Photo of William Sherman: The Most Despised Man In Georgia History

 

"Civil War Brings Out Heroes And Destruction"

The Civil War area creates heroes like Nathan Bedford Forrest and villains like Union Generals Jefferson C. Davis and William Tecumseh Sherman.

Forrest saved Rome from Colonel Abel Streight and his "Lightning Mule Brigade" in 1863. He became a hero to Roman history, with a statue erected in his honor, first displayed downtown (I still remember it there), and later moved to Myrtle Hill. Myrtle hill at that time was known as Fort Stovall.

Victory however was short lived. General Sherman ordered Rome attacked and it was captured in May of 1864. [The picture in this section is a picture of Sherman and his men in Rome after that defeat]. The Rome area's extensive fort system proved futile against superior manpower. After the war is over separate camps of blacks and whites spring up all around the outskirts of Rome.

Over the next twenty years, Rome thrives. By that time it is a center for the cotton trade, has an opera house, electric lighting, and by 1885 had electric streetcars.

The flood of 1886 did what even Sherman couldn't do. It put Rome completely out of commission. The streets were so flooded that a steamboat actually travels down Broad Street..

Since that time a levee has been built to hold back flood waters and the dam which created Lake Allatoona in the Cartersville area has lessened the chance of anything like this ever happening again.

Nathan Bedford Forrest: A Hero For His Saving Of Rome, Georgia In 1863

More Information On General Nathan Bedford Forrest 

Nathan Bedford Forrest (July 13, 1821 - October 29, 1877) was a lieutenant general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He is remembered both as a self-educated, innovative cavalry leader during the war and as a leading insurgent in the postwar years. He served as the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, an organization which launched a "reign of terror" against blacks and white Republicans during Reconstruction in the South.Foner (1988) p. 342. Hurst (1993) pp. 285, 287?288. . M. Lewis and J. Serbu, "Commemorating the KKK", Sociological Quarterly, January 1999.

A cavalry and military commander in the war, Forrest is one of the war's most unusual figures. Less educated than many of his fellow officers, Forrest had amassed a fortune prior to the war as a planter, real estate investor, and slave trader. He was one of the few officers in either army to enlist as a private and be promoted to general officer and division commander by the end of the war. Although Forrest lacked formal military education, he had a gift for strategy and tactics. He created and established new doctrines for mobile forces, earning the nickname The Wizard of the Saddle."Nathan Bedford Forrest", Tennessee Encyclopedia, Tennessee Historical Society He was accused of war crimes at the Battle of Fort Pillow for leading a massacre of unarmed black Union Army prisoners. In their postwar writings, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and General Robert E. Lee both expressed their belief that the Confederate high command had failed to fully use Forrest's talents.Foote, p. 1053

N.B. Forrest Statue: Myrtle Hill Cemetery 

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Rome Time And Temperature!

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Make Sure To SeeThe Clock Tower While In Rome!

Rome, Georgia Statistics 

The population of 30165 is 39,656.

That's #1609 out of all 42,305 zip codes.

77% of the population is white, which is 3 points more than the national average.

The average household income in 30165 is $35,476, which is $5,778 more than the typical average.

This contributes to the average house being worth $86,500. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 10% from the typical value.

Men make up 44% of the population, and the typical age in this part of GA is 34.

Stats about: Rome, GA

Population: 39,656
Number of Households: 14,812
Average House Value: $86,500
Average Income per Household: $35,476
Elevation: 605 ft

Population Breakdown:

Population Chart

Discover The Charm Of Rome Through Some Of Its Unique Lodging Places 

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Claremont House Bed & Breakfast
Nestled in the midst, of large live oak, and magnolia trees, this classic Victorian, Gothic mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It offers lavishly decorated guest rooms, with beautiful antiques, elaborately carved woodwork, and private baths, in all of the rooms. A full, gourmet breakfast served in the elegant main dining room is included with your stay.
Tumlin House Bed & Breakfast, The
Southern hospitality abounds, at this lovely Victorian bed and breakfast, that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It features a spacious, 1,400 square foot, wraparound porch, for guests' enjoyment, and relaxation. There are four, beautifully furnished guest rooms available, three with queen size beds, and one with twin beds. Both private, and shared baths are available. A full, gourmet breakfast is included, with your stay. A six course, gourmet dinner is also served at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings, by reservation only.
Zion Farms
This is a storybook style estate that features an imaginative blend of European style, and motifs. It is nestled on 340, acres of green pastures, and private paddocks. There are three, beautifully appointed and private guest cottages, as well as, a group overnight facility. Guests can enjoy winding mountain trails, ponds, secluded picnic areas, gardens, show arenas, conference rooms, a palatial stable, a unique equestrian gift shop, a club room, and a cross country course, while staying at this peaceful and relaxing retreat. A home style breakfast, served family style, is included with your stay.
Best Western Executive Inn
There are 45, spacious, and tastefully appointed guest rooms, at this hotel. Every room is equipted with a microwave and refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron, ironing board, and a 25 inch television, with a full cable line up. A large, outdoor, seasonal pool is on site, for guests to enjoy. In the morning, a deluxe continental breakfast including a variety of cold cereals, bagels, fruit, juice, hot coffee, and tea, is available.
Comfort Inn
All of the 50, well appointed guest rooms available, at this hotel, have coffee makers, hair dryers, microwaves, and refrigerators. Irons and ironing boards are available, upon request. An outdoor pool, and a hot tub are also on site. Laundry valet services are also available. A deluxe continental breakfast is served every morning.

Local Movie Listing For Rome, Georgia 

Avatar in Digital 3D
A former Marine (Sam Worthington) falls in love with a native (Zoe Saldana) of a lush alien planet.
Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience
Jake, a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na'...
Avatar
Jake, a paraplegic war veteran, is brought to another planet, Pandora, which is inhabited by the Na'...
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Federal agents whisk two Manhattan murder witnesses (Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker) to Wyoming.
The Young Victoria - Opens Limited Fri., Dec. 18
Teenage Victoria (Emily Blunt) meets the love of her life and becomes England's queen.

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Sports Teams

"Rome Braves" of Atlanta Braves' Baseball Organization Moved To Rome In 2003

Rome Residents Have Always Been Baseball Fans 

For over 50 years, Rome's Little League, Pony League, and other baseball programs have been active in several baseball fields built between the old railroad bed levee and the Coosa River. As a child the author of this lens was playing in these fields.

So, as you can imagine, there was a lot of excitement when Rome had the opportunity to build its own baseball stadium and get a Class-A minor league franchise. It was more exciting because the franchise was a minor league team of the Atlanta Braves.

Rome's Own Braves! 

The Rome Braves are a Class-A minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. In 2003, the team, previously known as the Macon Braves, moved from Macon, Georgia to Rome, Georgia, 60 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Home games are played at State Mutual Stadium, which was built entirely from a SPLOST tax before State Mutual paid for the naming rights, opened April 11, 2003 and seats 5,105. In addition to three levels of regular seating, the stadium also features a lawn seating area known as "Applebee's Home Run Hill." There are also 14 suites for VIP fans.

Category: Image - :RomeBraves.jpg|thumb|left|240px|Rome Braves Sign next to State Mutual Stadium in the back.

Other Resource Links 

Rome Home Town Headlines
Check out the latest events, happenings, local plans, and general headlines at this site.
Greater Rome Convention & Vistors Bureau
Official site for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
City of Rome Georgia Government Site
Links and information on Rome on the official Rome Georgia Government site.

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