October 20th, 2022 – 4:45 PM
City of Rome Press Release –
The Rome City Commission designated several new landmarks that were unveiled on Thursday:
1. Chief John Ross Home & Property
Landmark identifies the approximate site of the home of Cherokee Chief John Ross, who moved to the area circa 1826. The home was a two-story wood structure and included several outbuildings, farmland, and a ferry at the confluence of the rivers. During his time here, he would start his letters with “Head of Coosa.” Ross lived at his home for 10 years before he and his family were removed from their home. Chief John Ross’ property included most of the River District.
The marker is located on the John Ross Bridge, on the side closest to the Courtyard Marriott.
2. Mitchell Plaza
The Martin Hardin “Buddy” Mitchell Plaza was created to honor his service of 17 years on the Rome City Commission, which he chaired for eight years. The space serves as a centerpiece of downtown Rome and as an anchor of the Historic District between the three rivers. The mosaic river art embedded in the street illustrates the intersection of Rome’s rivers: the Coosa, the Etowah, and the Oostanaula. It also acknowledges Rome’s first African-American commissioner, Mr. Napoleon Fielder, and first woman commissioner, Mrs. Martha Kennedy. Finally, it reminds us of our duty to improve constantly, and to remember courageously, always.
The marker is located on the southwestern wall adjacent to the Rome Area History Center located at the corner of W 3rd Avenue and Broad Street.
3. African American side of Myrtle Hill
The African American section of Myrtle hill is believed to have been started when eleven African Americans graves were moved to make way for a road on the Branham addition in 1899. Many prominent and well-respected members of the African American community are interred in this section of the cemetery. Work still continues to identify undiscovered grave locations using ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
The marker is located between Maple Street, Pennington Avenue, and Branham Avenue.
4. Neely on Clocktower Hill
The first school built for the African American community in the newly formed Rome City School System was built on this location from 1884 to1885. It was initially built as a one-story building and a second story was added a year and a half later. The 1888 Rome City Directory listed 350 African American students in attendance at the school. The students were moved to another location by 1898.
The marker is located to the left of the clocktower when viewed from E 2nd Street.
Officials appointed a Landmarking Committee to identify and recommend potential landmarks in the city and help record and preserve events, discoveries, and locations of historical significance.
