Phenix City, Alabama

Phenix City is the seat of Russell County in east Alabama, on the west bank of the Chattahoochee River across from Columbus, Georgia [1]. The land was part of the Coweta branch of the Creek Nation. The area was originally two towns, Girard and Brownville. The legislature incorporated Brownville on February 23, 1883 and renamed it Phenix City on February 19, 1897. The 2020 estimate was 36,461 residents.

Towns and mergers

Girard merged into Phenix City on August 9, 1923, creating a combined population of 10,374. Phenix City became a second county seat in 1926 and the sole county seat in 1934. The name’s source is uncertain, with possible origins in the Phenix Mills of Columbus or the phoenix symbol [1]. See Muscogee (Creek) People in Alabama.

Industry

Early activity centered on forest products, agriculture, masonry and brickmaking. Phenix City once hosted the South’s largest lithography plant, and the Eagle & Phenix mills and Girard Cotton Mills employed many workers. In 2007 BusinessWeek named it the nation’s best affordable suburb for raising a family [1].

Education and riverfront

Chattahoochee Valley Community College and a Troy University campus are here. The Riverwalk is designated a national recreation trail and has an amphitheater, and the phoenix statue in front of the municipal building was dedicated July 4, 1976. Annual events include the Twin Cities Classic Horse Show and a Festival of Lights on the Riverwalk [1].

Name and merger with Girard

Brownville was incorporated on February 23, 1883. The post office briefly used the name Lively in 1871 to avoid confusion with another Brownville. The legislature renamed the town Phenix City on February 19, 1897, and Girard, to the south, merged into it on August 9, 1923, forming a town of 10,374. Phenix City became the sole seat of Russell County in 1934.[2]

Economy and population

Its early economy rested on forest products, agriculture, brickmaking, a brewery and textile mills such as Eagle and Phenix. The 2020 census counted 36,461 residents; educational services and health care employ 22.1 percent of workers, retail 15.5 percent and manufacturing 13.1 percent. Median household income was ,842.[2]

Columbus and recognition

The city sits on the west bank of the Chattahoochee River opposite Columbus, Georgia, and five bridges connect the two. Look magazine named Phenix City an All-American City in 1955.[2]

FAQs

Where is Phenix City? In Russell County, across the Chattahoochee from Columbus, Georgia.

When was it renamed Phenix City? February 19, 1897.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Phenix City
2. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Phenix City

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue