ROME, N.Y. -- The events that unfolded in Rome a few hundred years ago are important to our country's history.

"It was a critical part of the American Revolution, and actually us winning the Revolution," said Arthur Simmons, the Rome Historical Society Executive Director. "After the Revolution, the community grew up around the Fort and on top of the Fort, but the memory was kept alive." 

The site was reconstructed several decades ago.

"The City of Rome was going through what we call today, 'urban renewal', which was refurbishing things that had fallen apart over the previous few decades of neglect, unfortunately," said Kelly Roman, a Park Information Officer at the Fort Stanwix National Monument. "And one of the components of that became the efforts to make this the tangible Park that it is today." 

With the unveiling of a new two-part exhibit, one part at the Park Visitor Center and another at the Rome Historical Society, people can learn about the reconstruction process.

"This exhibit features artifacts that were found with the archaeology that predates the reconstruction and also during the reconstruction," said Simmons.

For some, the reconstruction is still a controversial topic.

"[It] basically took a big hunk out of Downtown Rome, and there were stores that had to relocate," said volunteer George Walters.

Despite differing opinions about the reconstruction, many appreciate that it attracts tourists to the city.

"Today, Fort Stanwix brings over $3 million into the local economy," Simmons said.

"How many places have a National Park in their own backyard?" said Walters. "I think it's a good thing."

Officials are planning on having more events about the city's history to draw in more tourists.