Rome, GA

About the City
Geography
Climate and Weather
Landmarks and Attractions
Transport
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Museums
Sport and Sports Legends
Universities and Academic Institutions
Healthcare Institutions and Services

Rome, Georgia, is a city of seven hills nestled in the Appalachian foothills, where the convergence of rivers and a deep history shaped by the Cherokee and early settlers earned it the name of its ancient Italian counterpart.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Official Name: Rome, Georgia.
Administrative Role: Rome is the largest city in and the county seat of Floyd County, Georgia, USA . It is the principal city of the Rome, Georgia, metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses all of Floyd County .
Location: The city is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northwest Georgia, approximately an hour's drive from Atlanta . It is the largest city near the center of the triangular area defined by the interstate highways between Atlanta, Birmingham, and Chattanooga .

Historical Names and Nicknames

Historical Names: The area was originally a Cherokee village known as Etowah (Cherokee: ᎡᏙᏩ, romanized: Etowa), which means "Head of Coosa" . Before the Cherokee, the Creek people also inhabited the region .
Nicknames: Rome is often called "The River City" due to its unique location at the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers, which form the Coosa River . It is also occasionally referred to as "The Village," reflecting its charming, small-town feel .

Founding Date and Age

Founding: Rome was founded in 1834 by European-American settlers, including Colonel Daniel R. Mitchell and John Lumpkin, who were drawn to the area's strategic rivers and hills . It was officially chartered by the Georgia Legislature in 1835 .
Age: The city is 192 years old (as of 2026).
Founding Legend: The city's name was chosen in a drawing. Colonel Mitchell submitted the name "Rome" because the area's seven hills and rivers reminded the settlers of the ancient Italian city .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Coordinates: 34°15′36″N 85°11′6″W / 34.26000°N 85.18500°W .
Positioning: Rome is situated at the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers, which together form the Coosa River . It lies in the valley of the Appalachian foothills.
Elevation: The center of the city is at an elevation of 614 feet (187 meters) above sea level .
Geographic Type: The city is famously built on seven hills—a defining feature that inspired its name—with the rivers running between them, making it a distinctive river-and-hill town .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Rome is a diversified regional hub with a strong focus on education and healthcare .

Educational Center: It is home to several higher-level institutions, including the world-famous Berry College, which boasts the largest contiguous college campus in the world at 27,000 acres . Other institutions include Shorter University, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, and Georgia Highlands College .
Medical Hub: The city serves as a regional center for medical care, anchored by Atrium Health Floyd .
Historic and Tourism Center: With a charming downtown, a large Victorian-era district, and sites like the Chieftains Museum, tourism and small-town commerce play a significant role in its economy .

Population and Demographics

Population: At the 2020 census, the city had a population of 37,713, with a metropolitan statistical area population of 101,789 .
City Class: Rome is a small-to-mid-sized city and the largest city in Northwest Georgia, as well as the 26th-largest city in the state .
Demographic Note: Known as a regional hub, its population swells with students from its various colleges and serves as a medical and commercial center for the surrounding area .

City's "Business Card"

Rome, Georgia, is a place where Southern history and natural beauty converge. Visitors come to explore the world's largest college campus at Berry College, walk the riverside trails of the ECO Greenway, and climb the 107 steps of the historic Clock Tower for a panoramic view of the seven hills that give the city its classical name .

Geography

Rivers: The Lifelines of the City

The defining feature of Rome's geography is its rivers.

Etowah River: One of the two main rivers that converge in Rome. It offers opportunities for paddling, kayaking, and canoeing along routes like the Etowah River Trail between Grizzard Park and Heritage Park .
Oostanaula River: The other major river that meets the Etowah to form the Coosa River. The ECO Greenway trail runs along its banks, providing scenic walking and biking paths .
Coosa River: Formed by the confluence of the Etowah and Oostanaula in downtown Rome, this river flows southwest towards Alabama and was historically significant for steamboat navigation in the 19th century .

The Seven Hills of Rome

The city is famously built on seven hills, a feature that directly inspired its name . While the classic seven are often debated, some of the most well-known include:

Clock Tower Hill (Neely Hill): The site of the city's iconic 1871 Clock Tower, offering the most famous panoramic view of the city .
Myrtle Hill: The location of the historic Myrtle Hill Cemetery, the second-highest of Rome's hills, and site of the Battle of Hightower in 1793 .
Old Shorter Hill: Originally known as Shelton Hill, this was the original location of Shorter College, founded in 1873. It stands 676 feet high .
Lumpkin Hill: Another one of the prominent seven hills, with an elevation of 640 feet .

Parks and Trails

ECO Greenway: A 16-mile paved multi-purpose trail that runs through historic downtown Rome and along the Coosa and Etowah rivers, connecting several public parks and landmarks .
Jackson Hill Trail System: A public recreation area located on the site of the Civil War-era Fort Norton. It features hiking trails, historic interpretive markers, and the unique "Labyrinth of Rome" for meditation .
Ridge Ferry Park: A popular riverside park that serves as a seasonal summer bus stop and a access point to the rivers and trails .

Canyons and Unique Landscapes

Nearby Kingston Downs: Located a short drive from the city center, this 5,000-acre property on the Etowah River offers a diverse landscape of wildflower meadows, forests, and river frontage for hiking, mountain biking, and glamping .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Rome features a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen–Geiger classification . This translates to mild, relatively wet winters and hot, humid summers. It enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year.

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures typically range from an average low of 30.6°F (-0.8°C) in January to an average high of 90.0°F (32.2°C) in July .

Coldest Month: January, with average lows around 30.6°F (-0.8°C) and average highs of 52.1°F (11.2°C) .
Warmest Month: July, with average highs of 90.0°F (32.2°C) and average lows of 68.7°F (20.4°C) .
Extreme Values: Temperatures rarely drop to 11°F (-12°C) or rise to as high as 99°F (37°C) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Average Annual Precipitation: Rome is quite wet, receiving an average of 53.43 inches (1357 mm) of precipitation per year, which is evenly distributed throughout the year .
Wettest Months: March and December are typically the wettest, with average precipitation of 5.41 inches and 4.99 inches, respectively .
Driest Month: September is the driest month, with an average of 3.68 inches of rain .

Sunshine and UV Index

Sunshine: Rome enjoys an average of 3,015 hours of sunshine per year. The sunniest months are May, July, and August, with an average of over 10 hours of sunshine per day .
UV Index: The UV index is highest from May through August, reaching an extreme level of 11, making sun protection necessary .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Spring (March - May): This is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging from the 60s°F to low 80s°F, and the dogwoods and other flora are in bloom. Precipitation is moderate .
Summer (June - August): Summer is hot and humid, with average highs in the upper 80s to 90°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. This is a good time for water-based activities on the rivers .
Fall (September - November): The other ideal time to visit. The humidity drops, temperatures are comfortable (from the 70s°F down to the 60s°F), and the changing leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for hiking .
Winter (December - February): Winters are mild but can be chilly, with average highs in the 50s°F and lows near freezing. Frost is common, and there are typically 40-50 days with frost per year . Snow is possible but not usually heavy.

Landmarks and Attractions

The Capitoline Wolf

Full Name: The Capitoline Wolf (Lupa Capitolina).
Description: A bronze sculpture depicting the legendary she-wolf suckling the infant twins Romulus and Remus, a symbol of the founding myth of the original Rome, Italy .
Historical Note: This replica was a gift from the city of Rome, Italy, in 1929, sent by Benito Mussolini to honor the American city's namesake and its joint industrial projects with an Italian company .
Location: It presides over the city from its prominent perch in front of Rome City Hall on Broad Street .

The Historic Clock Tower

Full Name: The Clock Tower (Rome Clocktower).
Architect and Year: Built in 1871 under the direction of James Noble, Jr., and the Noble Bros. The clock and bell were added in 1872 by the E. Howard Clock Company .
Original Function: It was originally built as a water tower to hold a 250,000-gallon tank that served the city. By the 1890s, it could no longer support the city's water needs and was decommissioned .
Location: Located at the summit of Neely Hill (Clock Tower Hill), one of Rome's seven hills, off GA 101 .
Unique Features: The tower stands 104 feet tall, and its four clock faces are nine feet in diameter. The minute hand is four feet, three inches long .
Visitor Experience: It is now a museum, opened in 1995. Visitors can climb the 107 spiraling steps to the top for one of the best panoramic views of downtown and the seven hills .

Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum

Full Name: Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum.
Description: The Greek Revival home of Martha Berry, founder of Berry College. The site tells the story of the Berry family and the founding of the college .
Location: 24 Veterans Memorial Hwy NE, Rome, GA 30165 .
Gardens: The site also features the Oak Hill Colonial Revival garden, designed and constructed in the late 1920s, which is a great example of 20th-century landscaping trends .

Chieftains Museum / Major Ridge Home

Full Name: Chieftains Museum.
Description: A National Historic Landmark, this is the former home of Major Ridge, a prominent Cherokee leader. It was here that some of the debates over the Treaty of New Echota, which led to the Cherokee removal, took place .
Significance: The site is on the National Park Service's Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and is dedicated to preserving and sharing Cherokee history and culture .
Location: 501 Riverside Pkwy NE, Rome, GA 30161 .

Berry College Campus

Full Name: Berry College.
Significance: Founded in 1902, it holds the title of having the world's largest contiguous college campus, set on 27,000 acres .
Key Sites:
- The Ford Complex: Named for Henry Ford, who donated funds for its construction, this complex features stunning Neo-Gothic architecture inspired by Oxford University's Christ Church College .
- The Mountain Campus: Features pastures, hills, lakes, log cabins, an old mill, and hiking trails leading to the House O' Dreams, a cottage on top of Lavender Mountain .

The DeSoto Theatre

Full Name: DeSoto Theatre.
Description: A historic cinema that has been reimagined as the Rome Little Theatre. It hosts several plays each year and is a venue for the annual Rome International Film Festival .
Location: 530 Broad St, Rome, GA 30161 .

Transport

Nearest Major Airport

Rome does not have a major commercial airport of its own. The primary airport serving the region is Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) , located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, about 65 miles north of Rome .

Alternative Airports: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the world's busiest, is about 70 miles to the southeast and offers a vastly greater number of domestic and international flight options.

Local Airport

Richard B. Russell Airport (RMG): This is Rome's local airport . It is a county-owned, public-use airport located 4 miles southeast of the central business district. It serves general aviation and corporate traffic but does not offer scheduled commercial airline service.

Public Transit: Rome Transit Department (RTD)

Rome has a public bus system operated by the Rome Transit Department (RTD), established in 1961 .

Mainline Fixed-Route Service: RTD operates six fixed bus routes on a one-hour frequency, running Monday through Friday from approximately 6:30 am to 6:30 pm . Fares are $1.50 for a regular full fare, with discounts for seniors, students, and disabled riders .
Para-Transit Service: An on-demand, curb-to-curb service is available for people with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-route system .
Transit Center: The main hub for all services is the Midtown Transit Station located at 216 East First Street .

Main Highways

Rome is accessible via several state and U.S. highways.

U.S. Route 27 (US 27): A major north-south route that connects Rome to Chattanooga to the north and points south.
Georgia State Route 20 (SR 20): An east-west highway that connects Rome to I-75 (towards Atlanta) to the east and into Alabama to the west.
Georgia State Route 53 (SR 53): Another important route connecting Rome to the surrounding region and Interstate 985 to the east.
Positioning: The city is strategically located near the center of the triangle formed by the interstates connecting Atlanta, Birmingham, and Chattanooga .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

While Rome, Georgia, doesn't have a centuries-old local dish like some older cities, its culinary scene is a vibrant mix of Southern comfort food and a surprisingly rich Italian-American heritage, reflecting the city's unique identity as "Georgia's Rome."

Italian-American Cuisine: A Local Staple

The most distinctive feature of Rome's food scene is its abundance of Italian restaurants . This is a direct nod to the city's namesake, Rome, Italy. You'll find a wide range of options, from family-owned spots to upscale bistros.

Bella Roma Grill: Known for its extensive pasta menu with over 26 options, wood-fired pizzas (available on Wednesdays and Saturdays), and use of homegrown herbs. The family-owned atmosphere and menu featuring Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean dishes make it a local favorite .
Aventine Rome: Located in a historic building on West 3rd Street, this restaurant offers a more modern and elegant take on Italian cuisine, with handmade pasta and a focus on fresh ingredients .
La Scala Mediterranean Bistro: Situated in the heart of downtown on Broad Street, La Scala provides an upscale dining experience with a contemporary twist on Mediterranean dishes .

Classic Southern and American Fare

Beyond Italian food, Rome has a strong foundation in traditional Southern and American cuisine, especially when it comes to casual dining.

Harvest Moon Cafe: A downtown staple on Broad Street, Harvest Moon Cafe offers a delightful blend of Italian and American cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. They are known for their handmade ravioli, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal specialties, all made with locally-sourced ingredients .
Bubba's BBQ Barn: For a true taste of the South, Bubba's BBQ Barn, located inside AdventHealth Stadium, is a must-visit. They serve up BBQ meat platters and sandwiches, and their famous "Kitchen Sink Nachos," loaded with pulled pork and various toppings, is a local legend .

Unique Culinary Experiences in Rome

Game Day Snacks: When catching a Rome Emperors minor league baseball game, be sure to try boiled peanuts, a classic Southern ballpark snack often found at the concession stands of AdventHealth Stadium . For dessert, look for the self-explanatory "Sweet Spot" for ice cream, root beer floats, and funnel cakes .
Local Brews: To sample local craft beer, head to River Remedy Brewing Company, which offers a taste of the area's growing brewing scene .

Museums

Historical and Archaeological Museums (Key Artifacts)

Rome Area History Center: This is the primary institution for understanding the local history. Housed in a historic building on Broad Street, the center's permanent exhibits guide visitors through a timeline from early settlers and the Civil War to the growth of Rome's culture and industries . The collection includes original maps, blueprints, photographs, personal letters, and business records, offering deep insight into the area's past. It serves as a vital hub for local historical research .
- Address: 305 Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161
- Phone: 706.235.8051
Chieftains Museum / Major Ridge Home: This is arguably Rome's most significant historical site. It is a National Historic Landmark housed in the white, two-story home of Major Ridge, a prominent Cherokee leader . Built around a log cabin structure from 1819, the house sits on the banks of the Oostanaula River . The museum is dedicated to interpreting Cherokee history and culture in the 19th century, with a focus on the Ridge family's experience in the Southeast before the forced removal of the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears . The property also features the Major Ridge Demonstration Garden and a Three Sisters Garden, showcasing traditional Cherokee agricultural practices .
- Address: 501 Riverside Parkway NE, Rome, GA 30162
- Phone: +17062919494

Sport and Sports Legends

Notable Stadiums and Sports Venues

AdventHealth Stadium: This is the crown jewel of Rome's sports scene. Opened in 2003 and originally named State Mutual Stadium, this ballpark is home to the Rome Emperors . It is a modern facility with a capacity of 5,105 and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic location bordered by the Oostanaula River . The stadium features a stately brick-columned entrance, a grass berm seating area in right field, and the Miller Lite Marina gathering space down the third-base line .
- Address: 755 Braves Boulevard, Rome, GA 30161
- Contact: 706-378-5100
Riverview Park: Located adjacent to historic Downtown Rome, this park is a major hub for local sports and recreation. It features four baseball fields, two batting cages, and two football fields, serving the community's youth and amateur athletic programs .
- Address: 255 Jewell Frost Drive, Rome, GA 30165

Professional Sports Teams

Rome Emperors: This team is the lifeblood of professional sports in Rome. They are the High-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves and compete in the South Atlantic League . Established in 2003 as the Rome Braves, they were renamed the Emperors in 2024, a clever nod to the city's namesake . The team has won league championships in 2003 and 2016 .

Famous Athletes Connected to the City

Notable Alumni of the Rome Emperors: As a minor league affiliate, the team's greatest claim to fame is the parade of future stars who have played in Rome on their way to the major leagues. The list of Atlanta Braves legends who have worn a Rome uniform is extensive and includes Ronald Acuña Jr. , Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Max Fried, and Craig Kimbrel . For baseball fans, visiting AdventHealth Stadium offers a chance to see the next generation of stars.

Universities and Academic Institutions

Rome has established itself as a regional center for higher education, with a mix of private universities and public colleges .

Major Private Universities

Berry College: A private, comprehensive liberal arts college with a stunningly large campus. It is consistently ranked among the best colleges in the South and is renowned for its distinctive life-work-learning program, where many students work on campus as part of their education.
Shorter University: A private, liberal arts university affiliated with the Georgia Baptist Convention. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and has a strong reputation for its music and business programs.

Public Colleges and Specialized Institutions

Georgia Highlands College: A multi-campus, state college founded in 1970 and based in Rome . It primarily offers associate degrees and some bachelor's degrees, serving as an accessible and affordable option for students in Northwest Georgia. It is frequently recognized for its affordable online programs . Its headquarters is located at 175 Cedartown Hwy, Rome, Georgia .
Georgia Northwestern Technical College: As the primary technical college for the region, it provides a vast array of workforce development programs and associate degrees in technical and vocational fields, playing a crucial role in preparing students for careers in local industries.

Healthcare Institutions and Services

Major Hospital

AdventHealth Redmond: This is the primary hospital serving Rome and the surrounding Northwest Georgia region . It is a comprehensive medical center offering a wide range of services. According to recent data, the hospital performs strongly on many process-of-care measures, such as doctors ordering medications through a computer (100% score) and handwashing (100% score), indicating a strong focus on patient safety protocols .
- Address: 501 Redmond Road NW, Rome, GA 30165-1415