Russell County, Alabama

Address by President Lincoln Albert Love Patterson Allen Temple A.M.E. Church / Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church Ancient Fisheries Archaeology And Our Understanding of the Creek People Asbury School and Mission Bartram's Trail Before The Battle / Battle Of Girard Confederate Fort Confederates Set Fire To Lower Bridge Coweta and Northeastern Russell County: Coweta Town Coweta: Center for International Diplomacy Creek Settlements in Russell County Creek Towns Crockettsville Cultural Exchange and Cooperation Early Russell County and the Town of Seale "Emperor" Brims, Mary Musgrove and Chief William McIntosh Fort Jabe Brassell Fort Mitchell Fort Mitchell Fort Mitchell and Creek Removal Fort Mitchell Military Cemetery Fryar Field Glennville Holland McTyeire Smith Horace King Hurtsboro United Methodist Church Indian Ball Ground Indian Trail J.W. and Ethel I. Woodruff Foundation Interpretive Trail James Cantey Joel Hurt House John Bacon McDonald John Crowell Long Family Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church / Macedonia School May 28th Celebration Battle and Antioch Communities Mitchell-Ferrell-Powell House Mount Olive Baptist Church Old Russell County Courthouse Pokkecheta, or the Ball Play POW ✯ MIA Monument Red Hill Batteries Removal of the Creeks Seale United Methodist Church Shiloh Baptist Church Six Indians Hanged Spanish Fort, 1689-1691 St. Peter A.M.E. Church Cemetery Susie E. Allen Elementary School The Census of 1832 The Creek Nation / The Chattahoochee Indian Heritage Center The Creek Town of Coweta The Creek Trail of Tears The Creeks Today The Second Creek War in Russell County The Tie-Snake Tuckabatchee Masonic Lodge Uchee / Good Hope Baptist Church, Uchee Uchee Chapel Methodist Church Union Night Attack Down Summerville Road United States Indian Trading Post Veteran Memorials at Fort Mitchell Villula William Augustus Mitchell William Bacon Oliver William Bartram Trail
Russell County, Alabama has a rich and diverse history dating back to before its official establishment. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, with the Creek Indians being prominent in the area. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, mainly from Georgia and the Carolinas, as it offered fertile land for farming, hunting, and trading opportunities.

The county was officially created on December 18, 1832, named after Colonel Gilbert C. Russell, a lawyer and early settler. At that time, Russell County covered a much larger area than it does today, including what is now Lee County. As the area developed, the county seat was established in the town of Crawford, which was later relocated to its current location in Phenix City.

During the American Civil War, Russell County played a crucial role due to its location on the Chattahoochee River, which served as a significant transportation route. The county experienced numerous military actions and was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces at various times during the war. The battle of Girard took place in the present-day Phenix City, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.

In the post-war years, Russell County witnessed a wave of economic growth and development. The discovery of rich phosphate deposits in the area led to the establishment of mining operations, attracting workers and investors. The county also benefited from the construction of railroads and the establishment of industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. Today, Russell County continues to thrive as a vital part of Alabama's economy and a hub for various industries and activities.
Brief timeline of the history of Russell County, Alabama:

  • 1832 - Russell County is officially created by the Alabama legislature.
  • 1833 - The county seat of Russell County is established in Hurtsboro.
  • 1861-1865 - Russell County is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1879 - The county seat is relocated to Seale.
  • 1889 - Phenix City is officially incorporated in Russell County.
  • 1904 - A devastating tornado hits Phenix City, causing significant damage.
  • 1955-1958 - The Phenix City bombings occur, leading to federal intervention.
  • 1968 - A major flood damages parts of Russell County.
  • 2003 - The county seat is moved back to Phenix City.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Russell County, Alabama.