Oak Hill Cemetery, also known as the West Seventh Avenue Cemetery or the Old Seventh Avenue Cemetery, was Rome’s first public burial ground. In 1837, as the young city continued to grow, officials designated a plot of land along what is now Riverside Drive—then Seventh Avenue—as its inaugural cemetery.

For nearly two decades, Oak Hill served as Rome’s primary burial site, laying to rest early pioneers and community members during the city’s formative years. Its location along the river, however, presented ongoing challenges. The low-lying ground was prone to flooding, which complicated maintenance and access.

By the mid-1850s, the cemetery had reached near capacity, prompting the city to seek a more suitable location. In 1857, Myrtle Hill Cemetery was established on higher ground across the Etowah River. Designed in the “picturesque rural” style popular in the 19th century, Myrtle Hill featured landscaped terraces, winding paths, and scenic views. Following its opening, burials at Oak Hill largely ceased, though the site continued to be used sporadically.

Today, Oak Hill Cemetery is a small but significant historic site maintained by the City of Rome’s Cemetery Department. Approximately 80 documented graves remain, most belonging to 19th-century residents, including Rome founder John Lumpkin. Open to the public, the cemetery stands as a quiet reminder of Rome’s earliest days.