Revere Copper sign is coming: When Rome residents will see it lit

Paul Revere may gallop again in Rome.

Revere Copper recently announced plans to relight its Paul Revere sign, an iconic neon sign travelers have looked to in years past as a landmark indicating they were approaching the city.

When it was working, Revere and his horse would gallop across the night sky, reminding everyone of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere's Ride," about his historic midnight mission.

"In short, it's a project we’ve wanted to do for a very long time," said Amy O’Shaughnessy, vice president of sales and marketing at Revere. "It's also a very resource-intensive project – labor, time, and finances."

"We have not been in a position to dedicate any of those resources to this project in about 20 years. In other words, it's not as easy or as simple as just flipping a switch and the lights come on."

Revere Copper's history dates back over 221 years.

The company's history is tied to Paul Revere, the Boston silversmith, engraver, early industrialist and participant in the American Revolution.

Revere Copper's plant encompasses over one million square feet, made up mostly of the cast shop, rolling mill and bar mill.

Company officials have said Revere puts out over 100 million pounds of copper every year. The copper is shaped into coils, sheets, plates and bars.

Revere does not put out any finished products. The company's copper is used in various machines and parts that people may see every day.

"The sign is essentially a landmark for generations of Romans and those in the greater Rome area," O’Shaughnessy said. "We know its value to the citizens, employees, and retirees; which makes it so exciting that it is finally something we can focus on and make happen."

O’Shaughnessy said Revere hopes to have the sign back up and running by July 4, 2024.

She said Revere is looking at several different options when it comes to the sign, including location, structure, technology and trees potentially blocking its view, among others.

Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo said the city supports Revere relighting the sign and said the city has been working with them on the matter.

"We are very excited about Revere's announcement and commitment to relighting their iconic sign," Izzo said. "Revere has played an integral role in the city's industrial history and has been a major employer for decades."

"We have been discussing the relighting of the sign with them for several months and we will be working with the company as they go forward formulating their plans to have the project completed by July 4, 2024. I know it is a dream come true for our citizens and a point of pride for the community."