Phenix City, Alabama
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| Phenix City, Alabama | |
|---|---|
| Name | Phenix City |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The Hardest City in America" (historically) |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision type2 | Counties |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision name1 | Alabama |
| Subdivision name2 | Russell, Lee |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1883 |
| Government type | Mayor-Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Eddie N. Lowe |
| Area total km2 | 72.80 |
| Area total sq mi | 28.11 |
| Area land km2 | 72.11 |
| Area land sq mi | 27.84 |
| Area water km2 | 0.69 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.27 |
| Elevation m | 74 |
| Elevation ft | 243 |
| Population total | 38017 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 36867-36869 |
| Area code | 334 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 01-59472 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0152857 |
| Website | www.phenixcityal.us |
Phenix City, Alabama. Located on the eastern bank of the Chattahoochee River directly opposite Columbus, Georgia, it is part of the Columbus metropolitan area. Incorporated in 1883, the city is the county seat of Russell County and is historically known for a mid-20th century period of rampant corruption and vice, which was dramatically cleaned up following the Phenix City scandal and the assassination of Albert Patterson.
History
The area was originally inhabited by Muscogee peoples before European settlement. Initially known as Girard, it was a small trading post that grew after the establishment of Fort Benning across the river in 1918. The city's proximity to the large military installation fueled its development but also led to its notorious reputation for illegal gambling, prostitution, and political corruption controlled by a syndicate. This era culminated in 1954 with the murder of Albert Patterson, the Attorney General-elect who had campaigned on a reform platform. His death prompted Governor Gordon Persons to declare martial law and send in the Alabama National Guard, an event chronicled in the 1955 film The Phenix City Story. Subsequent trials and reforms, aided by the Russell County Betterment Association, fundamentally transformed the city's governance.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.1 square miles, of which 27.8 square miles is land and 0.3 square miles is water. Phenix City is situated on the Chattahoochee River, which forms the state line with Georgia and is spanned by several bridges including the Dillingham Street Bridge. The city's topography is characterized by rolling hills, and it lies within the East Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic region. Major waterways include Uchee Creek and Cowikee Creek, which feed into the Chattahoochee.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 38,017 people residing in the city. The racial makeup was approximately 46.8% African American, 43.5% White American, 3.2% Asian American, and 4.1% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic and Latino Americans of any race comprised 6.8% of the population. The population density was about 1,366 people per square mile. The median household income was $49,296, and about 19.7% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Economy
The economy is closely tied to Fort Benning (now part of Fort Moore) and the larger Columbus market. Major employers include the Phenix City Schools system, the Russell County government, and manufacturing firms such as Reaction Distributors and ZF Friedrichshafen. The Idle Hour Park area and Riverchase Galleria are significant commercial centers. The city also benefits from industrial development at the Lake Oliver hydroelectric dam and logistics operations leveraging proximity to Interstate 185 and U.S. Route 80.
Government
Phenix City operates under a mayor-council system. The current mayor is Eddie N. Lowe. The city council consists of eight members elected from single-member districts. The city provides a full range of municipal services including a Police Department and Fire Department. It is part of Alabama's 2nd congressional district and is represented in the Alabama Legislature by members of the Alabama House of Representatives and Alabama Senate.
Education
Public education is managed by Phenix City Public Schools, which operates multiple elementary schools, Central High School, and Phenix City Intermediate School. The system is overseen by a locally elected Phenix City Board of Education. The city is also home to Chattahoochee Valley Community College, a two-year institution part of the Alabama Community College System. Several private schools, including Glenwood School, serve the area. Proximity to Columbus State University and Auburn University provides additional higher education access.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the city include Hoyt Axton, singer and songwriter; Jacqueline Moore, professional wrestler with WWE; and Johnny Sandlin, record producer for the Allman Brothers Band. Albert Patterson and his son, former Lieutenant Governor of Alabama John Patterson, are central figures in the city's political history. Sports figures include Mickey Andrews, former football coach at Florida State University, and Eddie Rush, longtime NBA referee.
Category:Cities in Alabama Category:Russell County, Alabama Category:County seats in Alabama Category:1883 establishments in Alabama