PHENIX CITY

city, Lee and Russell counties, seat (1935) of Russell county, eastern Alabama, U.S. The city is a port on the Chattahoochee River, opposite Columbus, Ga. Incorporated in 1883 as Brownville, it was renamed in 1889 for the old Phoenix Mills in Columbus. In 1923 it annexed Girard (settled 1820). Phenix City's manufactures include paperboard, bricks, and textiles. The last American Civil War battle east of the Mississippi River was fought there (April 16, 1865). Nearby in Georgia is Fort Benning (a military reservation), and the remains of Fort Mitchell (erected in 1813 during the Creek War) are south of the city. In the early 1950s Phenix City had the reputation of being a "sin city." After the assassination of antivice crusader Albert L. Patterson (a nominee for district attorney) in 1954, there was a successful movement to clean up the community led by his son, John, who became the governor of Alabama (1959-63). Pop. (1992 est.) 25,909.