In 2017, the City of Rome was honored by Bee City USA. The organization provides a framework for communities to conserve native pollinators by providing healthy habitats, including varieties of native plants, nesting sites, and protection from pesticides. While the initial focus was on preserving native bee species, other pollinators benefit, including butterflies, moths, and non-native bees.
The Rome City Clock Tower has been a popular fixture on the city’s horizone since 1871. The brick tower on which the clock sits was at one time the city water reservoir. It resides on one of Rome’s original seven hills.
The Rome Area History Center is located in the heart of historic downtown Rome at 305 Broad Street. Built sometime in the 1880’s, the building has housed a furniture store, office space for local doctors and lawyers, a department store, an auto parts store and even a casket maker and embalmer. In 1996, the building was converted into a museum by local members of the Institute for Northwest Georgia History.
Myrtle Hill Cemetery contains the graves of three hundred Civil War soldiers, including eighty-one unknown Confederate and two unknown Union soldiers. All of the eleven states of the Confederacy are represented in this section. Many of the notable early settlers, founders and prominent citizens are also buried at Myrtle Hill, including Ellen Wilson (wife of President Woodrow Wilson), Colonel Alfred Shorter and Martha Berry’s parents.
The Coosa River contributed to the development of one of cartoon’s most famous characters, Popeye. The cartoon sailor was based, in part, on crewmen on the stern-wheeler, “Leota.” The boatman on the Leota often inspired some of Popeye’s adventures and wisecracks.
At one time, Rome foundries
produced more cast-iron stoves than any other city in the country except Cincinnati, Ohio.
Dr. John Pemberton, a Rome native, created a drink known as Pemberton’s French Wine Coca. This beverage later became known as Coca-Cola. The rights to Coca-Cola were later sold to Asa Candler.
