Rome, Georgia
Encyclopedia : R : RO : ROM : Rome, Georgia
Rome is the largest city in and county seat of Floyd County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 34,980. The municipality is named for Rome, Italy, because it was built on seven hills. The connection is emphasized by a replica of the statue of Romulus and Remus nursing from a mother wolf, a 1929 gift from the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, and a symbol of the [original Rome]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 77.3 km² (29.8 mi²). 76.1 km² (29.4 mi²) of it is land and 1.2 km² (0.5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.54% water.
History
There is some debate over whether Hernando de Soto was the first Spanish conquistador to encounter Native Americans in the area now known as Rome, but it is usually agreed that he passed through the region with his expedition in 1540. In 1560, Tristán de Luna sent a detachment of 140 soldiers and 2 Dominican friars north along de Soto's route, and it is this group that established true relations with the Coosa cheifdom as they assisted the Coosa in a raid against the rebellious province of Napochín, in what is now known as Tennessee. Exposed to unfamiliar European diseases, within 20 years the Mound Builders were gone, replaced by the Creek and eventually the Cherokee.
A few settlers had already been accepted by the Cherokee in the early 1800's, and these were later joined by missionaries. The area became home to a several Cherokee leaders, including Cherokee Chief John Ross and Major Ridge. Ridge's home is known as Chieftan House (Now Chieftan Museum) located in Rome where he and his family used to live before they left.
Rome was officially settled after the forced removal of the Cherokee Indians on the Trail of Tears. The founders placed names in a hat - and Rome was chosen - since the city has rivers meet on an area with seven hills. The city served agrarian needs and the cotton trade, and gained a rail line to Kingston, Georgia.
During the Civil War, the city was defended by Nathan Bedford Forrest in Abel Streight's raid from the area east of modern day Cedar Bluff, Alabama. Union General Jefferson C. Davis captured Rome--a major target during the Atlanta campaign--as the outflanked Confederate army retreated (under command of Samuel Gibbs French [link]). Through the 20th century, many textile and carpet mills developed in the area and flourished until the 1970s.
Rome has many historic homes, and the traditional marquees of Broad Street are reminiscent of many years of downtown growth.
The city is home to the Rome Braves baseball club of the South Atlantic League, the Rome Renegades of the American Indoor Football League, and the Rome Gladiators of the World Basketball Association. Rome's Clock Tower, constructed in 1871 as a water tank on a hill overlooking downtown, serves as the town's iconic landmark, appearing in the city's crest and local business logos.
Demographics
As of the census[Geographic references#2GR2] of 2000, there are 34,980 people, 13,320 households, 8,431 families residing in the city. The population density is 459.7/km² (1,190.5/mi²). There are 14,508 housing units at an average density of 190.7/km² (493.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 63.12% White, 27.66% African American, 1.42% Asian, 0.39% Native American, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 5.61% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. 10.35% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.There are 13,320 households, of which 29.1% have children under the age of 18 living in them, 41.2% are married couples living together, 17.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% are non-families. 30.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.47 and the average family size is 3.07.
In the city the population is spread out with 24.2% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.2 males.
The median income of a household in the city is $30,930, and the median income of a family is $37,775. Males have a median income of $30,179 versus $22,421 for females. The per capita income for the city is $17,327. 20.3% of the population and 15.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 29.1% of those under the age of 18 and 16.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Rome is the home of two private liberal arts colleges, Berry College and Shorter College. There is also a state community college Georgia Highlands College (formerly Floyd Junior College) and Coosa Valley Technical College.
Notable Residents
- Arn Anderson, professional wrestler
- Bill Arp, Rome mayor and 19th century writer
- Martha Berry, educator
- Charles H. Fahy, U.S. Solicitor General and Navy Cross recipient
- Homer V. M. Mill, U.S. Senator, senior Confederate medical officer
- John H. Towers, U.S. Navy admiral and pioneer naval aviator
- Stand Watie, Cherokee leader and Confederate general
- Ellen Axon Wilson, First Lady of the United States and first wife of President Woodrow Wilson
External links
- [Rome Chamber of Commerce web site]
- [City of Rome web site]
- [Rome, Georgia web site]
- [Chieftan Museum web site]
- [Rome Area History Museum web site]
- [Berry College web site]
- [Shorter College web site]
- [Georgia Highlands College web site]
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