139 West Dominick St
Rome, NY 13440-5809

Phone 315-337-1700
Fax 315-337-1715
Email: info@romechamber.com

ROME HISTORY

Rome has a long and event filled history, from the Revolutionary War to today

For more information on the history of Rome, visit:
Battle of Oriskany, Rome Historical Society, Jervis Public Library, John B. Jervis, Erie Canal Village, and Shako:wi

For more information on the history of the region, visit the Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor which spans 8 counties in central New York State, from Albany through Rome. Geography, natural wonders, the Erie Canal, Revolutionary War, and more, from the Hudson River to Oneida Lake.

Local History

Fort Stanwix National Monument

Fort Stanwix National Monument, known as "the fort that never surrendered." It has been almost completely reconstructed to its 1777 appearance.

The American flag first flew in the face of battle during the American Revolution at Fort Stanwix, located in what is now the center of the city of Rome.

Siege of Fort Stanwix

During the siege of Fort Stanwix Aug. 1777, the main British Camp was between this point and the bluff to the south.

Francis Bellamy

Rome was home to and is the final resting place for Francis Bellamy, author of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Rome marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the corner of Liberty and James Streets.

Erie Canal Village

Erie Canal Village is an outdoor living history museum. It is a reconstructed 19th century settlement on the site where, on July 4, 1817, the first shovelful of earth was turned for the construction of the original Erie Canal. A mule drawn Packet Boat plies a section of the enlarged canal giving visitors a taste of early 19th century water travel. A train ride along the bank of the enlarged Erie Canal and over Clinton's Ditch brings passengers back to an era when rail travel was in competition with boat travel and eventually lead to the demise of transportation by canal boat.

The village is home to three museums: The Erie Canal Museum, which unfolds the story of the Erie Canal from the first proposals for an improved route to the West through the emergence of the Barge Canal System in 1918; The Harden museum exhibits a collection of horse drawn vehicles that range from utilitarian farm equipment to an elegant Laundaulet. and The New York State Museum of Cheese building, which once housed the Merry and Weeks cheese factory in nearby Verona, NY.

In addition to the museums, other typical structures found during the 19th century can be viewed such as Bennett's Tavern, Blacksmith Shop, Railroad Station, Print Shop, Ice House, Wood Creek School, Maynard Methodist Church, Shull Victorian House, Settler's House, Crosby House and Canal Store.

12 May 08