Originally from Rochester, I lived in Rome for about 12 years (1983 - 1995) when in the service... I loved it there. I used to rent an apartment that was located on the original fort stanwix proper! Fort Stanwix - the first place Old Glory was ever flown in battle if I'm not mistaken! Rome - The first shovel full of dirt dug for the Erie Canal... right? That place is LOADED with history! And what are there - like 10 forts around there that are little known places? The homesteads are rev war... man, that place is loaded with history!
I think there is a detecting club right there either in Rome, or there in the Mohawk Valley...
Most places have been picked over - but no way picked clean... IMO. Just watch for the protected land! I remember a few stories about guys detecting/digging muskets and the like, but, they found it on fed land... they were caught, and they payed big time.
I have in-laws all over the place in Rome... I miss it.