With so many battlefields located within its borders, Northwest Georgia seems poised to benefit from the increased attention from anniversary celebrations.

John Culpepper, who chairs the Georgia Civil War Commission, said Rome stands to gain, too, if it becomes a spot on the Chickamauga Campaign trail in time for the anniversary of the war, which he says could bring millions in tourism dollars to Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee.

Such placement could serve as an economic boon for the area. Tourism is second only to agriculture in earning power in the state, Culpepper said, and one of the largest segments of the tourism industry is historical tourism.

More than 900,000 people visit the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park on an annual basis, Culpepper said, adding an estimated $36 million to the Chattanooga-area economy.

Culpepper thinks that could translate into big bucks for the wider area as well, if the region plays its cards right. Regional tourism is a booming market, he said, and he’s currently looking for ways to promote the area for the upcoming anniversary, scheduled to begin in 2011.

He led a forum over the weekend on how to best tackle the war's anniversary for historic preservation and economic gain. Representatives from Chattooga, Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties attended the meeting, as did interested parties from Marion and Hamilton counties in Tennessee.

"We think we can more than double that $36 million a year," he said. "I think between Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, we can put together a Civil War venue that will be unmatched in this part of the country."

Rome is rich in Civil War history although that is not widely recognized, Culpepper said. The city was a southern gateway to Chattanooga, one of the final and most important battles in the conflict, he said.

It also saw the efforts of Nathan Bedford Forrest, who saved Rome from Sherman’s torch.

Rome was home to the Noble Brothers Foundry, which produced cannons for the Confederacy and was one of the few Southern manufacturing centers for the war effort.

The years encompassing the anniversary, from 2011 to 2015, could have a significant impact for Rome and Floyd County, Culpepper said, but only if the area is adequately prepared for the observance. "Let's get Rome and Floyd County involved," he said. "Opportunity’s knocking on the door."

Rome News-Tribune Staff Writer Don Pittman contributed to this report.

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