Historic Floyd County courthouse badly damaged in fire in Rome, Georgia
A fire broke out at the historic Floyd County courthouse in Rome, Georgia, on 23 March 2026, causing severe damage to the 19th-century building. Authorities confirmed all occupants were evacuated safely as investigations into the cause continue.
- A fire severely damaged the historic Floyd County courthouse in Rome on 23 March 2026.
- All occupants were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported.
- The 1892 Romanesque Revival building suffered extensive structural loss, with its bell tower destroyed.
A major fire severely damaged the Floyd County Historic Courthouse in Rome on 23 March 2026, prompting evacuations and an ongoing investigation into its cause.
The blaze was discovered at approximately 2:20 p.m. on West 5th Avenue, according to county officials. Emergency services responded rapidly as flames engulfed parts of the historic structure.
All employees inside the building were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported. Authorities temporarily blocked surrounding roads and cleared nearby areas, including sections of Broad Street, to manage the emergency response.
Video footage showed flames and thick smoke pouring from the courthouse as firefighters worked to contain the fire. Multiple fire engines were deployed to the scene.
The courthouse, constructed in 1892, is noted for its Romanesque Revival architectural style. The City of Rome describes the building as featuring distinctive terra cotta grotesques on its façade, making it a prominent local landmark.
At the time of the fire, the building housed the Floyd County Tax Commissioner’s office. County records indicate the address as 4 Government Plaza, serving several administrative functions.
Officials confirmed that the courthouse was undergoing renovations when the fire broke out. A county listing noted that workers had been carrying out brick and gutter work earlier in March.
The cause of the fire remains unknown and is under active investigation. Fire officials have not yet determined whether construction activities may have contributed to the incident.
A county spokesperson stated that the bell tower and most non-brick components of the structure were destroyed. The extent of the damage has raised concerns about the building’s structural integrity and potential restoration.
Former county chairman Wright Bagby described the incident as a significant loss for the community. He emphasised the courthouse’s historical importance and expressed uncertainty about how much of the structure could be salvaged.
“I’m not sure that’s possible right now but you don’t want to lose your history,” Bagby said. “And that’s a strong part of our history.”
Authorities are now assessing how to relocate essential county services previously housed in the courthouse. These include the tax commissioner’s, tax assessor’s, and motor vehicle tag offices.
Further evaluations will determine whether any portions of the building can be preserved or restored. Officials have yet to provide a timeline for recovery or relocation efforts.
