There’s No Place Like Rome

No, not the one with all the crumbly buildings, the Pope’s house, and some pretty good pasta. 

Nope, I’m talking about Rome, Wisconsin. That’s right, Rome, Wisconsin.

Maybe we’re not as well known, and our buildings aren’t falling down, but we’re still a pretty good tourist destination in our own right. And you don’t even need a passport to visit.

But you may be wondering why, with any number of possible names, would the founders of Rome go with a name that will forever be associated with the most famous city in the world? 

Well, way back when, the world was a much bigger place. Italy was far, far away. It wasn’t top-of-mind like it is today. Instead, the founders paid tribute to a place a little more familiar. They chose to name this new and wonderful town in Wisconsin after Rome, New York where almost half of the first settlers originated from. 

Furthermore, Rome, New York is at the geographic center of its state, as is Rome, Wisconsin. And the two towns are geologically similar with lakes, sand dunes, hardwood forests, and pine barrens. 

So, it all kinda makes sense, doesn’t it? 

BTW, we have some pretty good pasta too.

Written by: Lydell Capritta