Civil War Monument, Myrtle Hill Cemetery. Photo: L. Shiver

Myrtle Hill Cemetery

This National Register site, begun in 1857, is the final resting place for more than 20,000 people who have shaped Rome, Georgia's history. It is significant that two of the seven hills of Rome were chosen as burial grounds. Oak Hill Cemetery, located on Lumpkin Hill, was established in 1837. By the 1850s the citizens of Rome realized that more room would be needed. A tract of 25 acres was purchased from Colonel Afred Shorter. Colonel Cunningham Pennington, a civil engineer, drew plans for internment on six levels. After several crape myrtle trees were planted, the name for the site became Myrtle Hill.

Rome's early history of floods and river rampages presented challenges to everyone, including the funeral director. Boats were often used in removing the body of the deceased person from the home to the funeral parlor during such difficult times. None worried, however, that the final resting place of their loved ones would suffer from the ravaging floods. In those days Myrtle Hill was the cemetery most often used by Rome urbanites for the burial of their dead. Myrtle Hill stood high and dry a century ago, just as it does today.

Project documentation consists of text, black-and-white photographs and a brochure.

Originally submitted by: Bob Barr, Representative (7th District).

More Local Legacies... Additional Georgia Local Legacies Local Legacies for all U.S. States

The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

Learn More About It... Related Web Site