The Spirits of the Civil War tour series is modeled after the format of the GRCVB’s popular cemetery and downtown tours. Civil War history will come alive in the tours through story-telling and reenactments on the actual sites of major military action.
While many of the events will have an admission fee, the GRCVB has made several of the events free in order to provide the community with better access to Rome and Floyd County’s history.
In addition to events, the GRCVB has also produced a printed guide to the Civil War in Rome and Floyd County, a CD driving tour available for rent and an online guide through their website.
“In an effort to connect the visitor with our Civil War history, we created events and developed tours to attract visitors and educate them on our rich heritage,” said Lisa Smith.
The GRCVB encourages anyone planning a Civil War commemoration event in Rome and Floyd County to submit their event to the online calendar.
For additional information concerning any of the events listed below, contact the Rome / Floyd Visitor Center at 706.295.5576.
2011 Civil War Commemoration Events
- Civil War Symposium: Dan Roper
January 27, 2011; 6:30pm; Rome Floyd County Library
Dan Roper, publisher and editor of Georgia Backroads, will present the first symposium on Thursday, January 27 at 6:30pm in the Coosa Room of Rome Floyd County Library . The symposium is free and open to the public. Roper is a respected local author and historian with over 80 published articles on Georgia history and travel. Free.
- Spirits of the Civil War: Myrtle Hill Cemetery
April 9, 2011, 10:30am,11:00am, 11:30am; Myrtle Hill Cemetery
Travel through the Civil War history of Georgia’s Rome by visiting residents of Myrtle Hill Cemetery wearing period dress and telling stories of their experience during the Civil War in Rome. Please note: this tour is a moderate to strenuous walk with steps and slopes involved. Cost: $8 adult, $5 children (12 and under).
- Civil War Symposium: Barry Brown
April 21, 2011, 6:30pm; Rome Floyd County Library
Barry Brown, author of Crossroads of Conflict: A Guide to Civil War Sites in Georgia will present on the Civil War in Georgia. Book signing will follow. Free
- Spirits of the Civil War: Downtown Rome
May 7, 2011, 1pm, 2:30pm; Rome / Floyd Visitor Center
Step aboard the Toonerville Trolley for a tour of the major Civil War sites throughout Historic Downtown Rome. A period-dressed guide will explain the significance of Rome’s many forts, industrial sites and civil war medical centers. Free, but tickets required. Call 706.295.5576 to reserve tickets.
- Spirits of the Civil War: Jackson Hill Fort Norton
June 11, 2011, 9pm; Rome / Floyd Visitor Center
Jackson Hill is one of Rome’s richest sites in Civil War History. Learn about the soldiers who served Fort Jackson through reenactments and experience their impassioned stories. Please note: this tour is a moderate to strenuous walk with steps and very steep slopes involved. Cost: $8 adult, $5 children (12 and under).
- Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails Marker Dedication
Late summer, time TBA; Site of Noble Foundry near South Broad Bridge
Join the dedication of the new sign and informational marker at the site of the Noble Foundry, one of Rome’s most important Civil War sites because the famous cannon factory led to Rome’s burning. The dedication will also mark the addition of Rome to the Georgia Civil War Heritage Trail system.
- Civil War Symposium: Zach Watters
August 18, 6:30 p.m.; Rome Floyd County Library
Zach Watters, a local historian and professor, will present on his research into the Civil War in Northwest Georgia. Free
- Civil War Symposium: The Cochran Family Margaret Hollingsworth
November 17, 6:30 p.m.; Rome Floyd County Library
The Cochran Family will perform Civil War era music and explain its meaning and significance. Margaret Hollingsworth will present a reading of her ancestor’s love letters from the Civil War. Free.