Much of the history of the Civil War in Rome can be found in the picturesque Myrtle Hill Cemetery. During the war, the site was known as Hillsboro and served as one of Rome’s hilltop defensive fortifications, Fort Stovall, guarding the southern approaches to the city. Today, a monument to the Floyd County Confederates who fought for the defense of Rome marks the site of the fort. At the base of Myrtle Hill is the city cemetery, which dates from 1857. It is the final resting place of 363 Confederate and two Union soldiers who died in Rome hospitals. Rome native John Wisdom, considered a Civil War Paul Revere who rode from Alabama to warn Rome of the approach of Colonel Abel D. Streight’s raiders, is buried here.
Monuments to honor Confederate Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest and the perseverance and sacrifice of Confederate women are also located in Myrtle Hill Cemetery.