Georgia's Rome

Two hundred years ago, the settlement known as Head of Coosa was among the largest in the vanishing Cherokee Nation. The Cherokee found this land a worthy dwelling site, as tradition held that anywhere three rivers came together was holy ground. The Cherokee Indians claimed the area later known as Rome and Floyd County as their "Enchanted Land," naming the rivers the Oostanaula, the Etowah, and the Coosa.

White folk began to populate the area in the early 1830s. The founding of a new community commenced shortly thereafter. The first order of business was to obtain ferry rights. Land lots were drawn up, as were street designs, two of which would measure out at 132 feet across. A courthouse was built, and in 1834 the area was legally designated the seat of Floyd County. The next order of business was finding a name for the town itself.

Five men wrote names on slips of paper and deposited them into a hat. The name Rome, suggested because the area's topography is reminiscent of the seven hills of ancient Rome, was drawn. A new history book complete with noted landmarks was about to be written. Just as time began to note white folks' history in the area, the story of Cherokee life in their "Enchanted Land" was coming to a close. However, the legacy of this gentle people is, to this day, written throughout the city and county.

As time passed, the citizenry of Rome decided to purchase land for a cemetery. The hill known for its beautiful Crepe Myrtle trees, situated at the junction of the Etowah and Oostanaula Rivers, was obtained. The cemetery opened in 1857. The first grave is still visible, though the inscription has been lost to time. Standing atop Myrtle Hill you feel grounded in history while gazing out at the extraordinary vistas of present day Rome.

The big political issue of the 1870s was whether or not to build a 100-foot water tower. Proponents won out, and the tower was built with a cistern that held close to a quarter of a million gallons of water and measured out at 26' diameter and 60' deep. A clock adorns this 100-foot historic water tower and keeps the city moving right along with hourly chimes. Walk inside the brick structure and you'll be rewarded with a unique bit of history in the Clock Tower Museum. A 132-step climb grants you viewing rights to a city snuggled between the low hills of the age-old Appalachians and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Colleges and Culture

Shorter College opened its doors in 1873. The college has grown to meet the demands of the new century, and is renowned for enrolling talented music and drama majors from around the country.

Martha Berry began teaching the poor children of Possum Trot in her playhouse. As she grew, so did her playhouses. She worked tirelessly in her mission, and expected no less from others. Berry College came to life in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Ms. Berry was an astute businesswoman and knew she needed capital to carry on her dream. She called on Henry Ford as well as other philanthropists. Berry College is now the world's largest college campus encompassing 26,000 acres. Martha Berry Museum was built in honor Ms. Berry's determined accomplishments. The building is an example of Greek Revival architecture and displays a collection of art as well as pieces of history associated with Miss Berry's rich life.

The citizens of Rome gather for cultural events at the Municipal offices and City Auditorium. Rome Symphony Orchestra, the oldest symphony in the South, was formed in 1921. The Symphony continues to prepare annual programs for the community in an effort to mark special occasions or to simply entertain on lazy summer evenings.

Just outside City Hall stands the Capitoline Wolf with Romulus and Remus. This reproduction of the original Etruscan art was a gift to Georgia's Rome from ancient Rome. Benito Mussolini presented the sculpture to the American Romans in 1929.

Body and Soul

Nourishing the soul is just part of Rome's vision. The city is also a regional medical center. The area is home to Floyd Medical Center and Redmond Park Hospital, giving citizens a vast array of quality medical care. Floyd Medical Center has a network of more than 250 physicians. Redmond Park is the only hospital in northwest Georgia that performs open-heart surgery.

The Harbin Clinic, founded in 1948, employs over 100 physicians representing at least 26 medical specialties. Harbin Clinic supports a 10 county referral base, has satellite offices located in 4 nearby counties, and serves as the largest private independent clinic in Georgia.

Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital is a 295-bed facility operated by the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse. NWGRH supplies emergency receiving, evaluation and treatment for people with severe mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Georgia's Rome has a population of 30,300, and remains one of America's best kept secrets.

by Vyvyan Lynn