Rome

Rome is a county seat in northwest Georgia located where the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers converge to form the Coosa River. The downtown spreads over several hills between the riverbanks, with a mix of older structures and newer buildings throughout the district.

The town was founded in 1834 shortly after Cherokee removal and deliberately adopted the name of the Italian capital because of the river junction. During the Civil War, several ironworks operated here until Union forces destroyed them.

The name comes directly from the Italian capital, reflected in the seven hills that form part of the local landscape. Residents sometimes refer playfully to this parallel when they explain the topography of their town.

The central area between the rivers is walkable, though the hills require some climbing. The two large hospitals serve as contact points for medical emergencies across the wider region.

The statue of Romulus and Remus with the Capitoline Wolf was a personal gift from Benito Mussolini during the 1920s. After damage in World War II, the restored bronze monument now stands in front of City Hall, marking the unusual link between the two cities sharing the same name.

Location: Floyd County

Inception: 1834

Elevation above the sea: 187 m

Part of: West High Country

Website: http://romefloyd.com

GPS coordinates: 34.26000,-85.18500

Latest update: December 13, 2025 10:04