Rome and Floyd County have a rich history. The area’s heritage is preserved and acknowledged while new history is created.

Historians agree that Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto most likely passed through the vicinity of Rome as early as 1540. Later, the area was home to Creek and Cherokee Indians who were drawn to the rivers’ bounty until they were relocated in the 1820s and 1830s.

But not all of the Native Americans left.  Major Ridge and John Ross, two of the best-known Native American settlers, had extensive business holdings in the area. By then the “Head of the Coosa” had become a thriving town with steamboat and railroad traffic. So three of the town’s founders – Philip Hemphill, Daniel R. Mitchell and Zachariah B. Hargrove – met to choose a new name for the town. They drew the name Rome from a hat containing several suggestions and on Dec. 20, 1824, the Georgia Legislature chartered the city of Rome.

Like many Southern towns and cities, Rome suffered great loss during the Civil War, but by 1873 had begun to thrive again as a rail hub and textile center. The rebirth has made Rome into one of the finest Victorian City centers in the state. With the opening of two major colleges in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Rome became a destination for higher learning. In the 1960s and 1970s, the community added two more colleges. The legacy of higher education is still thriving today. Growing along with the academic community has  been our renowned medical community that serves the tri-state area.

Citizens of Rome and Floyd County have a keen sense of their rich heritage while at the same time focusing on the future with high expectations. In the new era, educational and health care standards are higher. Traditional industry and new development continue to make this area alluring to potential newcomers and businesses who can be assured of a healthy economy, sound city and county leadership and unmatched quality of life with a historical flavor.
Greater Rome is a progressive community with firm historical roots to anchor it.