Rome in Floyd County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Georgia’s Paul Revere

Photographed By David Seibert, May 7, 2010

1. Georgia’s Paul Revere Marker

Inscription. Along this road John H. Wisdom rode from Gadsden, Ala. to warn that a Federal force of over 2,000 men was approaching Rome to occupy the town, destroy foundries making ammunition for the Confederates and to cut Confederate communications (May 2, 1863).

On Wisdom’s arrival in Rome the bridge over the Oostanaula river was fortified and made ready for burning as a last resort. Wisdom’s warning and the plans for defense played a big part in the surrender of Col. Streight [US] with 1,500 men to Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest [CS] with only 425 men.

Erected 1953 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 057-1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list.

Location. 34° 15.011′ N, 85° 10.691′ W. Marker is in Rome, Georgia, in Floyd County. Marker is at the intersection of South Broad Street (Georgia Route 53) and Myrtle Street, on the right when traveling south on South Broad Street. The marker stands in front of Myrtle Hill Cemetery, established in 1857. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rome GA 30161, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Vietnam War Memorial (here, next to this marker); The McDougald Family of Georgia

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(a few steps from this marker); Myrtle Hill Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); Anchor Duck Mills World War II Memorial (a few steps from this marker); The Fallen (within shouting distance of this marker); Here Lies in Honored Glory an American Soldier (within shouting distance of this marker); Ellen Louise Axson Wilson (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle of Hightower Monument (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rome.

Additional commentary.
1. Rome, Georgia's appreciation to John Wisdom.
The grateful citizens of Rome gave the 42 year old Wisdom a $400 silver service and $400 cash for his warning the city of the potential arrival of Federal forces. John Wisdom made the 67 mile ride because the Union forces had sunk his ferryboat and his mother lived in Rome. Gadsden Times July 20, 1909.

— Submitted March 3, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.

Photographed By David Seibert, May 7, 2010

2. Georgia’s Paul Revere Marker

Looking north on South Broad Street, toward the bridge over the Etowah River into downtown Rome. The entrance to Myrtle Hill Cemetery, built on one of Rome's seven hills, is to the left.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2017. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,245 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.