The town of Rome was originally called both Washington and Franklin, though only for short periods.  When the county seat was removed there in 1819, the name of Rome was adopted, but the term Franklin continued by the citizens until the fall of 1819.  As Washington the town was laid out in lots in May, 1818, there being 189 lots, fifteen out lots and a public square surveyed.  In the fall of 1818 the names seems to have been changed to Franklin, and in about December, 1818 or January 1819, to Rome.  Goodspeed 1885, page 676