HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
PHENIX CITY, ALABAMA

          Phenix City is the result of the consolidation of two separate communities, Girard and Brownsville.   Tradition says that the city was originally named for the Eagle & Phenix Mill located in Columbus, GA.  At some point the "O" was dropped from the word phoenix, either because of a corruption in spelling or in an effort to distinguish ourselves from Phoenix, Arizona.  Although our spelling may be slightly different, our city symbol is the legendary phoenix bird.  This is especially appropriate because of the difficulties that we encountered during the 1940'sand 1950's.  At the same time it recognizes the rebirth we have experienced as we have sought to 
provide a friendly, family-oriented community for our children and generations to come.      

The Collins-Scott House, one of the early pioneer homes, built around 1851.

        Girard developed as a trading post within the Creek Indian Territory sometime before 1820.  It was located  on the west bank of the Chattahoochee River opposite the settlement that would eventually become Columbus, Georgia.  Philadelphian Stephen Girard owned much of the land that would become Russell County, Alabama.  On December 18, 1832 the town of Girard, named in his honor, became the first county seat.  The Alabama legislature officially incorporated the city of Girard in 1890.  Two of the most notable citizens of the early days of Girard were John Godwin and his slave Horace King.  Godwin, a contractor, had moved to Alabama from South Carolina.  Because of the growth in the area and the demand for improved transportation he and King were involved in numerous
construction projects.  Horace King was Godwin's foreman.  He was known for his ability to bring together a diverse group to accomplish a very difficult task.  King was responsible for completion of the first bridge across the Chattahoochee River.     

The Watkins House, built by an early Phenix City physician in 1896.

         Although King was Godwin's slave there seemed to be a special bond between King and Godwin.  On numerous occasions Godwin was offered large sums of money for King.  Each time, Godwin refused to sell, and in 1848 he successfully petitioned the Alabama General Assembly to give King his freedom.  As time passed Godwin's health declined, and King's responsibilities and fame grew.  He built several other bridges across the Chattahoochee and also was hired to complete many other projects.  When John Godwin died in 1859, Horace King took the responsibility for all burial arrangements and also erected a marble headstone which states, "This stone was placed here by Horace King.  In loving remembrance of the love and gratitude he felt for his lost friend and former master." After the Civil War, Horace King faithfully served two  terms as a state representative.

The marble marker erected in memory of John Godwin by Horace King. 
The marker is located in Godwin Cemetery near 14th Street
 

         Brownsville, north of Girard, was originally a part of Lee County.  It was established prior to the Civil War.  This part of town has known many names.  Before the name Brownsville became commonplace, its post office was called "Lively" and its railroad station was referred to as "Knight's Station."  In 1889 the name of Brownsville was officially changed to Phenix City by the Alabama Legislature.      

Knight's Station

          After the consolidation of Girard and Phenix City in 1923, a variety of local government plans were implemented.  Since 1977 the Council-City Manager method has been used.  Phenix City is the 15th largest city in Alabama, and has played a significant role in the history of the area.  The "Battle of Girard" fought in April of 1865, was the last land battle of the Civil War.  Due to the lack of speedy communication, the battle actually was fought one week after the surrender of Lee at Appomattox.

           Although Phenix City is remembered by many people in a negative light, we are proud of our community and its many outstanding citizens.  It is true that Phenix City once was known as "Sin City" but what many people fail to remember is that it was the citizens within our community who began the struggle to oppose the illegal activities and corruption that were prevalent in the early 1950's.  Through the efforts of the "Russell Betterment Association" and the unstoppable voice of Albert Patterson, right triumphed over the widespread presence of crime.  Although Albert Patterson was gunned down, his son John followed in his father's footsteps and successfully ran for State District Attorney.  He later served as Alabama's 46th governor.  In 1955 Phenix City was recognized as LOOK Magazine's "All American City" sponsored by The National Municipal League.  Today, Phenix City is known as a progressive community which seeks to maintain a wholesome family atmosphere.

John Patterson
                                                                                   
 

RUSSELL COUNTY

          Russell County nicknamed "The County of Forts" includes a large portion of Fort Benning, the largest Infantry training facility in the world.  Russell County was the northernmost point in the Spanish settlement of the area which ended with the construction of Fort Apalachicola.  In addition, Fort Mitchell was established in 1813and is one of the oldest forts in the region.  It is known as the "Gateway to the West."  It played a significant part in the history between the settlers and the Indians and is the starting point of the "Tail of Tears."  At present an Indian Heritage Center is located near the site of the original fort.  The center recognizes the contributions and history of Native Americans in the southeast.

Fort Apalachicola, 1689

              Upon your entrance to Fort Mitchell, you will need to check in at the Visitors Center. The Visitors Center houses a museum, theatre, and a "walk in time" where you will see lifelike displays depicting historical scenes and events of this area and time. There are artifacts including arrowheads, tools, guns, pottery, and household items. In the museum there is a display of horse drawn carriages which are representative of the 1800s. In the theatre you will see a film presentation describing events and history that actually happened in this period between 1813 and 1860. Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. 334-855-1406 561 Hwy. 165 Fort Mitchell, AL 36856.

Fort Mitchell, 1811

          Fort Mitchell National Cemetery (known as the "Arlington of the South") is the burial place for veterans dating back to World War I.  Fort Gilmer, located in Phenix City (and also known as Fortification 5), is commemorated with an historical marker reflecting its significance during the Civil War, particularly the Battle of Girard.

Fort Mitchell National Cemetery

          Russell County is dotted with several communities that have a colorful history. One of these locations is Glennville.  Named after its founder John Bowles Glenn, Glennville was the county's first permanent white settlement.  Although only a few homes are left today to mark its existence, Glennville once was noted as a center for education.  The Glennville Collegiate and Military Institute provided older boys and young men with a strict education and preparation for a military career.  Two or three cadets were chosen from many of the surrounding counties.  At the onset of the Civil War numerous students wee recruited from this institution.  There also was a fine private school for young ladies.  Students came from all over the Southeast, some from as far away as Charleston.  Discipline was strict and tuition was high, but the school's reputation grew until it was known as the "Athens of Southeast Alabama."  Many fine homes were built in the area.  Although only a few survive they are an excellent example of the splendor of Glennville when it flourished.

Cedar Heights, built around 1838

The Mitchell-Ferrell House, built in Glennville in 1844.  It was moved to Seale in 1867.

            Seale, once the county seat, was at one time the site of great prosperity.  There were splendid stores, two hotels, a bank, a cotton warehouse, drugstores, general stores, a livery stable, harness shop, and a blacksmith.

            Additional historical sites include the John Godwin Memorial, the Dillingham Bridge, the Russell County Courthouse, and a number of houses on the Historic Register.

The old county courthouse at Seale

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Coulter, Harold S.  1976.  A People Courageous, a History of Phenix City, Alabama.  Howard Printing Co., Columbus, GA.

Stewart, John Craig.  1975.  The Governors of Alabama.  Pelican Publishing Company, Gretna, LA

Walker, Anne Kendrick.  1950.  Russell County in Retrospect.  Distz Press, Richmond, VA.