Rome, Illinois – Local History on the Illinois River

Travelers can explore Rome, Illinois, through two themes: its early town planning and the importance of the Illinois River to historic navigation. If you’re looking for a hotel in Rome, these perspectives can help you narrow down your destination. Are you especially interested in how the settlement was laid out, or would you like to understand the former roles of the river, railroad, and road?

The marina on the Illinois River

Hamm’s Holiday Harbor is on the Illinois River at mile 178.6, on the right bank when facing downstream. An older navigation chart lists the facility as a marina in Rome, Illinois. Check current operating conditions before visiting. The bank designation is given in the direction of the current; the river mile provides a more precise location reference.

Tube rentals are permitted with the Holiday Harbor Marina’s 25-foot pontoon rental. Everyone riding in a rented tube must wear an appropriate life jacket. A qualified observer must also be present at all times while the tube is being towed. If you’re planning this activity, check the rental rules in effect before booking. This lets you account for the requirements without treating tube rental and pontoon rental as the same thing: tube rental is permitted with the specified pontoon rental.

Town plans from 1832 and 1835

The 1832 town plan for Rome included 23 blocks and a public square. It is among the earliest town plans recorded in Peoria County. These details offer a concrete glimpse into the town’s early layout.

On October 10, 1835, Isaac Underhill laid out a village also called Rome, with 44 blocks and a public square. This village may have included the area of the earlier village, but that identification remains uncertain because the land description is imprecise. The figures 23 and 44 therefore cannot be read as a verified development of a single town plan. The two descriptions refer to different dates and extents; both mention a public square.

If you’re interested in understanding the town’s history, it’s worth keeping this distinction in mind: the 1832 plan describes the earlier layout, while the 1835 founding concerns a further village plan, also called Rome. The possible geographic connection remains unresolved. Thus, the two dates represent two historical accounts, not a clearly documented progression from one plan to the next.

River, railroad, and stagecoach

The town’s former importance to transportation is also part of Rome’s history. In 1835, it was an important steamboat landing. For a time, Rome was also the endpoint for water transport of goods moved by railroad and river. A large warehouse at the river landing was used to transfer goods between boats and the railroad.

Further transportation accounts add to this picture: a state road running through Rome later became part of the stagecoach route from Peoria to Chicago. A spur line was also built to connect Rome’s main railroad line with the river. Together, these details show the town’s various historical roles in freight and passenger transportation, without combining them into a single route.

These themes offer different starting points for deciding where to travel: the town plans focus on the village’s layout, while the landing, warehouse, and transportation routes shed light on the former movement of people and goods. You can choose Rome based on the subject that interests you most, then search for hotels for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Peoria, Hanna City.

Go to the main travel overview: Peoria.