Sunday, November 16, 2025–4:10 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
It is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Rome, and on Monday, a ribbon-cutting will be held for the newly renovated Clock Tower.
$800,000 was included in the 2023 special purpose, local option sales tax for the renovations.
Constructed in 1872 atop a water tank which was constructed in 1871, the Clock Tower has been repainted, new timbers have been installed and there is new roofing.
There are new clock hands and electronic clock control mechanisms have been installed, along with a new bell striker.
It was determined that an insufficient lateral system throughout the clock tower that has led to an observed leaning of the tower.
Necessary repairs have been made to mitigate future leaning.
Rome City Clerk Joe Smith classifies the work as renovation, but maybe a bigger part of that is preservation.
“Rome is a little over 190 years old, and the Clock Tower is a little over 150 years old,” he said. So, it has been around for the majority of Rome’s history, and we want it to be around for many, many more decades in Rome’s history. Those of us who have been to the top know it is the best view in Rome.”
Monday’s ribbon-cutting will begin at 2 p.m.