History of Russell County, Alabama
Russell County, located in the southeastern corner of Alabama along the Georgia border, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to its early Native American inhabitants and spans periods of economic growth, conflict, and recovery. Established in 1832, the county was named after Colonel Gilbert C. Russell, a hero of the Creek War. Russell County’s location along the Chattahoochee River has made it a vital area for trade and transportation, especially during the cotton boom. The county seat, Phenix City, has played a pivotal role in the region’s history, from the Civil War to its modern resurgence as an industrial and residential hub.
Russell County Facts
- Founded: December 18, 1832
- Population: Approximately 60,000 (as of 2020)
- Area: 647 square miles
- Area Codes: 334
- ZIP Codes: 36856, 36867, 36869, 36870, 36875, 36858, 36851, 36852
- County Seat: Phenix City
- Major Cities: Phenix City, Hurtsboro, Ladonia, Seale
- Famous Landmarks:
- Phenix City Amphitheater
- Fort Mitchell Historic Site
- Chattahoochee Riverwalk
- Idle Hour Park
- U.S. Army Fort Benning (nearby)
Early History of Russell County (Pre-1830s)
Native American Inhabitants
Long before European settlers arrived, the land that would become Russell County was home to Native American tribes, primarily the Muscogee (Creek) people. The Creek Confederacy occupied large parts of present-day Alabama and Georgia, living in small villages along rivers such as the Chattahoochee. These tribes were agriculturalists who cultivated maize, beans, and squash, and their culture thrived in the region due to the fertile land and abundant water resources.
European Exploration and Trade (1700s)
European exploration in the region began in the 1700s, with British and Spanish traders establishing relationships with the Creek Nation. The Chattahoochee River was a critical trade route, and the Creek people became involved in the fur trade with European settlers. Throughout the late 18th century, conflicts between Native Americans and settlers increased as European powers sought to expand their territories.
Treaty of Fort Jackson (1814)
The Treaty of Fort Jackson in 1814, which ended the Creek War, forced the Creek to cede vast amounts of land, including what would become Russell County. This opened the region to European-American settlement, and the area began to see an influx of settlers from Georgia, the Carolinas, and other parts of the Southeast.
Founding of Russell County (1830s)
Creation of Russell County (1832)
Russell County was officially established on December 18, 1832, following the land cessions from the Creek Nation as a result of the Treaty of Cusseta. The county was named after Colonel Gilbert C. Russell, who fought in the Creek War. The establishment of the county allowed settlers to organize local government, establish farms, and build communities.
The original county seat was located in Girard, a town that became an important commercial center due to its proximity to the Chattahoochee River. The river served as a key transportation route for cotton and other goods during the antebellum period, fueling the growth of the local economy.
Early Agricultural Economy
The economy of Russell County in its early years was dominated by agriculture, particularly cotton farming. The fertile soil and access to the river made the region ideal for growing cotton, which was the primary cash crop. The cotton boom of the early 19th century led to the establishment of large plantations, and like much of the South, the county’s economy relied heavily on enslaved labor to cultivate the cotton fields.
Russell County in the Civil War (1861-1865)
Russell County and Secession (1861)
When Alabama seceded from the Union in January 1861, Russell County, like much of the state, was strongly supportive of the Confederacy. Many of the county’s young men enlisted in the Confederate Army, and Russell County played a key role in supplying food, materials, and soldiers to the war effort.
Impact of the Civil War
Although no major battles were fought in Russell County, the war brought significant hardship to the region. With the Union blockade of Southern ports and the collapse of the Confederate economy, Russell County’s cotton-based economy was devastated. Plantations suffered from labor shortages, and many local men were killed or wounded in the fighting.
As the Union Army advanced through Georgia and into Alabama in 1865, the county experienced raids, and infrastructure was destroyed. The town of Girard, now part of Phenix City, was a focal point for Confederate forces retreating from Union General James H. Wilson’s raid, which culminated in the nearby Battle of Columbus, Georgia.
Reconstruction and the Gilded Age (1865-1900)
Reconstruction Era (1865-1877)
The Reconstruction period following the Civil War was a time of economic and social upheaval in Russell County. The collapse of the Confederacy and the abolition of slavery left the agricultural economy in disarray. Formerly enslaved people gained their freedom, but the transition to a free labor system was difficult, with many African Americans becoming sharecroppers or tenant farmers.
Political power shifted during Reconstruction as newly enfranchised Black citizens voted and held office. However, these gains were short-lived, as the end of Reconstruction in 1877 saw the re-establishment of white supremacy through Jim Crow laws and disenfranchisement of Black voters.
The Rise of Phenix City
By the late 19th century, Girard and neighboring Phenix City (formerly known as Brownville) began to merge, becoming an important transportation and industrial hub. The growth of the railroads in the area helped transform Phenix City into a center of trade and commerce, particularly in connection with nearby Columbus, Georgia. By the turn of the century, Phenix City had become the county seat, replacing Seale, which had served as the county seat for much of the 19th century.
Early 20th Century and the Great Depression (1900-1940)
Economic Development and Industrialization (1900-1920s)
The early 20th century brought industrialization to Russell County, especially in and around Phenix City. Textile mills, lumber mills, and other industries began to develop, drawing workers from the surrounding rural areas. The county’s economy slowly diversified, though agriculture, particularly cotton, remained central to the livelihoods of many residents.
Phenix City, located just across the river from Columbus, Georgia, benefited from the economic growth of the region, with new businesses, schools, and infrastructure projects contributing to the city’s expansion.
The Great Depression (1930s)
Like much of the United States, Russell County was deeply affected by the Great Depression. Cotton prices plummeted, and many farmers lost their land due to debt and foreclosure. Unemployment soared, and many residents struggled to make ends meet. The federal government’s New Deal programs brought some relief to the region, with infrastructure projects providing jobs and improvements to local roads and public buildings.
World War II and the Phenix City Scandal (1940-1950s)
World War II and Fort Benning
During World War II, Russell County experienced a surge of economic activity due to its proximity to Fort Benning, a major U.S. Army installation located just across the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Phenix City became a popular destination for soldiers stationed at Fort Benning, bringing an influx of visitors and money into the local economy. However, this influx also brought social problems, as crime and corruption became rampant in the city.
The Phenix City Scandal (1954)
By the early 1950s, Phenix City had gained a reputation for lawlessness, with organized crime, gambling, and prostitution flourishing under the protection of corrupt city officials. The city became infamous as one of the most dangerous places in America. In 1954, after Albert Patterson, a candidate for Alabama attorney general, was assassinated in Phenix City while campaigning on an anti-corruption platform, the state government took drastic action.
Alabama Governor Gordon Persons declared martial law in Phenix City, and the National Guard was deployed to restore order. The crackdown on crime was successful, and the city began to clean up its image. The events of the Phenix City Scandal were later dramatized in the 1955 film The Phenix City Story.
Modern Russell County (1960s-Present)
Economic Transition and Growth (1960s-1980s)
In the decades following the Phenix City Scandal, Russell County began to rebuild its reputation and economy. The county transitioned from an agricultural-based economy to a more diversified one, with industries such as manufacturing, textiles, and services playing a growing role. Phenix City continued to grow as a suburban area, benefitting from its proximity to Columbus, Georgia, and Fort Benning.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Russell County saw improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The construction of new schools, roads, and hospitals helped improve the quality of life for residents, and the county’s population began to increase steadily.
Phenix City Revival (1990s-Present)
By the 1990s, Phenix City had shed much of its negative reputation from the mid-20th century and experienced a resurgence as a center of commerce and residential growth. The city’s location along the Chattahoochee River became an asset for tourism and outdoor recreation. The development of the Chattahoochee Riverwalk, connecting Phenix City with Columbus, became a popular attraction, offering scenic views and outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike.
Today, Phenix City is known as a family-friendly community with a growing economy, fueled by its proximity to Fort Benning and the larger Columbus metropolitan area. Russell County’s population has grown steadily, and the area has seen increased investment in industry, housing, and infrastructure.
Cultural Landmarks and Attractions
Fort Mitchell Historic Site
Fort Mitchell, located in southern Russell County, is a historic site that played a key role in the Creek War and early U.S. military history. Today, it serves as a museum and park, offering visitors a chance to explore the history of the area and learn about Native American and frontier life in Alabama.
Chattahoochee Riverwalk
The Chattahoochee Riverwalk is a scenic pathway that stretches along the river, connecting Phenix City with Columbus, Georgia. It offers recreational opportunities such as walking, biking, and fishing, and it has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Phenix City Amphitheater
The Phenix City Amphitheater is an outdoor venue located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The amphitheater hosts concerts, festivals, and community events throughout the year, drawing visitors from across the region.
Present-Day Russell County
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Russell County had a population of approximately 60,000 people. The county’s population has grown steadily in recent decades, driven by the growth of Phenix City and its proximity to Fort Benning and Columbus, Georgia.
Economy and Infrastructure
Today, Russell County’s economy is a mix of manufacturing, retail, and service industries, with agriculture still playing a role in the rural parts of the county. Phenix City continues to develop as a suburban hub, with new housing developments, schools, and businesses expanding the city’s reach. Fort Benning remains a major economic driver for the area, contributing to population growth and stability.
