Built out of necessity, now a symbol of pride, Rome’s iconic Clock Tower has stood watch over the city for more than 150 years. Originally built as a water tower, it has transformed into a beloved landmark and community centerpiece.
Its legacy — from Civil War-era construction and museum conversion to the meticulous restoration now breathing new life into this timeless structure.
Ask a hundred residents of Rome what they believe is the city’s most iconic landmark, and the overwhelming majority would likely say the Clock Tower on Neely Hill in the historic Between the Rivers District.
Originally built as a water tower to provide a steady flow of potable water and fire protection for the downtown community, the project was spearheaded in 1870 by the Noble family—manufacturers of cannons for the Confederate states during the Civil War. The ambitious build was expected to cost $100,000, nearly five times the city’s budget at the time. Though controversial, the project was ultimately approved, and construction began the following year.
The clock, which sits atop the 63-foot-deep water tower, was shipped to Rome in 1872 from the E. Howard Clock Company of Boston, Massachusetts. The bell was cast by the Meneely Bell Foundry of West Troy, New York.
Over the years, several efforts have been made to repoint the brick exterior and enhance the park at the base of the tower. Nearly 40 years ago, the Rome Jaycees raised close to $80,000 for significant repairs and improvements to Bailey Park, reinforcing the community’s ongoing commitment to preserving the site.
In 1995, a museum was established inside the old water tower, featuring massive murals depicting the history of Rome along with restored original clockworks.
The current project—to restore the wooden tower encasing the clock and bell—was included in the 2023 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) package at the request of City Clerk Joe Smith. With a budget of $800,000, the project addresses a visible lean to the west and significant deterioration of the wood caused by decades of weather exposure.
Landmark Preservation, based in Savannah, was awarded the contract in early 2024. The firm was chosen in part because company principal Greg Jacobs emphasized their commitment to maintaining the structure’s historic integrity rather than replacing it with modern construction.
Rome’s public school once sat in the shadow of the iconic clock tower, reinforcing its role as a community centerpiece.
Work began in August 2023 and was initially expected to take three to four months. Scaffolding was erected inside the tower to allow Landmark specialists to inspect the original woodwork. Fortunately, that inspection determined there were no major structural concerns.However, as many Romans have observed, the process has been painstaking—especially since mid-fall—due to both the detailed nature of the restoration and unfavorable weather conditions during the spring.“That’s a very special project,” Smith said. “We certainly want the project done right rather than done quick.” He noted the many technical details involved, including hand-fitting replacement parts for the clock and intricate engineering upgrades to the interior.
Rome’s clock tower is more than bricks and gears – it’s a cornerstone of civic pride.
Part of the restoration includes installing new clock mechanisms on all four faces. Smith explained that the hands will be slightly different in design, mimicking a style used many years ago. Some components, including the hands and numerals, were re-gilded—a delicate process completed at the Atlanta Preservation Center.
Any parts removed but not reused will be preserved and donated to the Rome Area History Museum at 300 Broad Street for future display.
Commissioner Jamie Doss, who was active with the Rome Jaycees during the last major renovation nearly 40 years ago, has expressed hope that the city will hold a special ceremony once the project is complete.
Fun Facts About the Clock Tower
- The water tower was built of 10-foot sheets of iron manufactured at Noble Foundry.
- The water tank measures 26-feet in diameter and 63-feet deep.
- The tank held 250,000 gallons of water.
- The interior spiral staircase has 107 steps.
- The structure containing the clock is 41’ high.
- The overall height of the tower is 104’.
- The faces of the clock measure 9’ in diameter.
- The minute hand measures 4’ 3” and the hour hand is 3’ 6”.
If you would like to tour the clock tower public tours are offered seasonally. Group tours are available by appointment. Visit RomeGeorgia.org for more information.