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Rome is a city of about 32,000 people in Oneida County, in the Mohawk Valley of central New York, about 15 miles northwest of Utica. Its location on the old Oneida Carry, a portage between the Mohawk River and waters flowing to Lake Ontario, made it strategic for centuries. In 1777 the American garrison of Fort Stanwix held off a British siege, and in 1817 construction of the Erie Canal began here.
Today Fort Stanwix National Monument, a full reconstruction of the 18th-century fort, stands in the middle of downtown and is the city's main attraction. Rome later became an industrial center known as the Copper City, and for decades it was home to Griffiss Air Force Base, now a business park and airport. The restored Capitol Theatre shows classic films and hosts performances.
Nearby, the Oriskany Battlefield recalls one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution, Delta Lake State Park offers swimming and camping, and Bellamy Harbor Park sits on the canal. Utica, the Adirondacks and Syracuse are all within easy reach.
A full-scale reconstruction of the star-shaped fort whose garrison resisted a British siege in 1777, run by the National Park Service in downtown Rome. Explore barracks and casemates, then see the Willett Center museum. Rangers in period dress lead programs in summer, and admission is free.
The site east of Rome where, in August 1777, militia and Oneida allies marching to relieve Fort Stanwix were ambushed in one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution. A monument, interpretive signs and paths cross the quiet fields. The grounds are open seasonally; combine it with Fort Stanwix.
A restored movie palace opened in 1928 on West Dominick Street, with an ornate interior and a theater organ. It hosts classic film series, concerts, plays and community events throughout the year. Check the schedule for silent films with live organ accompaniment, a local specialty.
A city park on the Erie Canal and Mohawk River near downtown Rome, with a boat launch, docks, walking paths and picnic areas. It is a good place to watch boats on the canal and learn about Rome's role as the starting point of canal construction in 1817. Bring a picnic on summer days.
A state park on a peninsula in Delta Lake, a reservoir a few miles north of Rome, with a sandy swimming beach, campsites, picnic areas, boat launch and wooded trails. It is popular in summer for swimming and fishing. Reserve campsites early, and expect a vehicle entry fee in season.
Rome's public library, centered on the Italianate home of John B. Jervis, the engineer who worked on the Erie Canal and New York's Croton Aqueduct. He left his house and books to found the library. Step inside to see the historic rooms and ask about the local history collection.
A museum near Fort Stanwix covering Rome's history from the Oneida Carry and the Revolution through the Erie Canal, the copper industry and Griffiss Air Force Base. It also holds archives for genealogy research. It takes about an hour; check opening days, as hours are limited.
A New York State fish hatchery on the edge of Rome that raises brown, brook and rainbow trout for stocking streams and lakes across the state. Visitors can walk past the outdoor raceways and see thousands of fish. It is free and quick, and children enjoy it; check visiting hours first.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Robert Mortell, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: Mysticrain19, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Mysticrain19, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
