10/03/2026
Here's Our History!
Local Columnist
PAM WALKER: Go Wolves!
There we were. Barron Stadium. Rome Wolves football season home opener. The sun was going down over the levee. The JROTC marched across the field and presented the colors. The noisy crowd quieted down. A rimshot; drumroll. The Sound of the Seven Hills played “The Star Spangled Banner.” Another high school football season underway. We could hardly wait for Rome Wolves to take the field.
Go Wolves!
Rome City Schools has an interesting history. Let’s talk about that.
Rome City Schools was established in 1883. An integral part of Rome City Schools, Rome Colored and Industrial High School was organized in 1894. School colors were maroon and silver.
Yet another school opened in 1911. Historic Rome Hilltoppers. Housed on the old Shorter College campus, originally known as Shelton Hill, it was officially counted as one of Rome, Georgia’s seven hills. The school opened Sept. 4, 1911. Due to overcrowding, the school was subsequently divided into Girls’ High School, and Boys’ High School in 1939. Classes for Boys’ High remained at the Rome Hilltoppers campus. Classes for Girls’ High were held in a new building on East Third Avenue.
Rome Colored and Industrial High School evolved into Main High School and the curriculum expanded to include higher grades through the 1930s and 1950s. Main High School’s colors were green and gold. Their mascot was the Panther. Main High School’s class of 1953 was their first graduating class. Those students previously attended Rome Colored and Industrial School.
Because of increasing enrollments, Rome Hilltoppers were divided into two new schools in 1958. East Rome High School and West Rome High School. East Rome’s colors were blue and gold. Their mascot was the Gladiator. West Rome’s colors were Kelly green, white, and silver. Their mascot was the Chieftain. In 1969 Main High School officially closed following desegregation efforts. Those students enrolled at East Rome High School and West Rome High School. Then, in 1992, East Rome and West Rome were combined to form Rome High School. Rome Wolves.
Now let’s consider Rome’s historic Barron Stadium. Officially dedicated in 1924 as Hamilton Field, it served as home turf for Rome Hilltoppers. William F. Barron was a local businessman who helped acquire private property for public and athletic use. In 1925, Hamilton Field was renamed Barron Stadium to honor him. Stadium lights were installed at Barron Stadium in 1937. East Rome, West Rome and Main high schools played their home football games at Barron Stadium. These days, Rome Wolves home football games are played at Barron Stadium.
It is so much fun attending a Rome Wolves football game. So much energy! The Wolf Pack. The Sound of the Seven Hills. They’re pulling for Rome Wolves! I envision the entire Rome Wolves football team encouraging each other. That is exactly how they, as a cohesive team, inspire each other.
Rome’s historic Barron Stadium has an incredible history. Rome Wolves continue to contribute to that history. Football games, soccer games, and track meets as well. When we attend a Rome Wolves football game, soccer game, or track meet, we are right in the middle of that history at Barron Stadium. Friday night lights. High school football.
Go Wolves!
Native Roman Pam Walker is a retired paralegal, avid cyclist, history enthusiast and ardent reader of Southern fiction. A published author of three books, readers may email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Facebook, walkerwritesrome
