We are all familiar with the story of Paul Revere, who warned the town of Lexington and Concord of a British attack and saved the people. The story is made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.” But did you know that Rome has its very own renowned midnight rider? His name was John Wisdom: The Paul Revere Of The South.
After discovering that Union forces were headed to Rome to attack Confederate troops and destroy ammunition and supplies, John Wisdom traveled 67 miles from Gadsden, Alabama to Rome to warn George S. Black, the militia commander, of the coming attack. The troops stationed in Rome, along with whatever citizens he could gather, were able to fortify Rome against Union General Abel Streight, playing a large part in Streight’s surrender in nearby Cedar Bluff, Alabama.
The efforts of John Wisdom, George Black, and the citizens of Rome were heroic and undoubtedly kept Rome from being a casualty of the Civil War. If General Forrest had made it to Rome, he would have likely destroyed the city and supply lines.
At the base of Myrtle Hill, there is a historical marker that commemorates “Georgia’s Paul Revere.” It reads:
Along this road, John H. Wisdom rode from Gadsden, Ala. To warn that a Federal force of over 2,000 men was approaching Rome to occupy the town, destroy foundries making ammunition for the Confederates, and cut Confederate communications (May 2, 1863). On Wisdom’s arrival in Rome, the bridge over the Oostanaula river was fortified and made ready for burning as a last resort. Wisdom’s warning and the plans for defense played a big part in the surrender of Col. Streight with 1,500 men to Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest with only 425 men.
Studying our community’s history, learning from past lives, and making tomorrow a better place is crucial. Rome’s history would be much different if John Wisdom did not warn Black of the coming troops. He saved countless lives and saved our town.
Read more about Rome at The Historical Tour of Rome, Georgia, and Myrtle Hill Cemetery.
