Rome, GA: "Cannon Lathe," Southern Depot and Freight House and Flour Mill

Cannon Lathe: (Satellite? couldn't find it.)

Depot, current location: (Satellite, this depot has been moved from Reeves, GA.)

Freight House: (Satellite)

Flour Mill: (Satellite)
 

Randall Thompson posted
This huge and ancient lathe sits in a city park in Rome, Georgia. Built around 1850, It was in a foundry and iron works which was operated by Samuel Noble and his sons, prior to the Civil War. They made various equipment and machinery, including at least one locomotive. This machine is typical of what would have been used to turn the axles and drivers of a steam engine of the period. There is also a Corliss steam engine under the shed. It is not the original, but is the same type that was used to power the Noble works. With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Nobles started making cannon and other war material for the Confederacy. This machine is referred to locally as the "Cannon Lathe," and was no doubt used for that, although it's quite a bit different from a true cannon lathe. This output caught the attention of the US army, and the entire works was burned and destroyed. After the war, Noble located fresh iron ore deposits a hundred or so miles to the west and re-established there, becoming one of the founders of the present day city of Anniston, Alabama, where I was born and grew up. When I was there, in the 1950's and 60's, there were still numerous foundries and machine shops.

Update: The south seem to have great respect for cannon lathes

John Abbott posted
Cannon-lathe-Auburn
Bob Gaston The historic lathe sits next to Samford Hall on Auburn University's campus in Auburn, Alabama.
[I could not find it on a satellite image or street view. I wonder if it has been added in the last year or so.]

Gary Miller posted two photos with the comment: "2 depots in Rome, GA. Both were originally used by the Southern RR."

Gary Miller: The passenger depot was moved from Reeves, GA & is now the Visitors Center. The freight depot is now owned by a private business.

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2

I spent some time looking for the buildings along the mainline. Then I noticed the 2nd & 2nd street signs in the freight house photo. Southern had a spur that served the downtown. The flour mill has expanded over the tracks that used to serve the freight house.

1968 Rome South and 19676 rome North Quads @ 24,000

This would have been the track side because of the bay window for the agent's desk. 

Street View, Feb 2024

Street View, Apr 2024

Obliviously, the flour mill is rail served. I presume it receives grain via rail and ships product with trucks.

Street View, Mar 2024

Lawrence Weinzimer, Nov 2024