Phenix City, AL

Phenix City is a city in Lee County and Russell County in the U.S. state of Alabama, although primarily in Russell County. As of 2006, the population of the city was 30,067, according to Census Bureau estimates. Most of Phenix City lies in the Columbus, Georgia-Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the Lee County part is in the Auburn Metropolitan Area. The city is the county seat of Russell County. It is also a suburb immediately west of downtown Columbus, Georgia, just across the Chattahoochee River.

In 2007, BusinessWeek named Phenix City the nation's #1 Best Affordable Suburb to raise a family.

Currently, the mayor is Sonny Coulter, a local businessman, and previous mayor. The city manager, who holds the task of organizational matters is W. Hunter.

History

In the late 19th century, Girard made up most of current downtown Phenix City, while Phenix City was mostly in Lee County. In the early 20th century, the two towns consolidated into the present Phenix City. a large section of what is now Phenix City in Russell County was in Lee County into the 20th century.

14th Street Bridge

Phenix City was notorious during the 1940s and 1950s as being a haven for organized crime, prostitution, and gambling. As a result, the city had a negative reputation, and many people still associate this legacy with Phenix City. The Tragedy and the Triumph of Phenix City, Alabama by Margaret Ann Barnes chronicles these events. Which led to the small town to be known as "Sin City, USA".

River Factory

In 1955, it won the All-America City Award from the National Municipal League.

Time Zone (official and observed)

Although Alabama is legally part of the Central Time Zone, Phenix City's proximity to the larger city of Columbus, Georgia means that Phenix City and areas within a 10-15 mile radius (such as Smiths Station, Alabama) observe Eastern Time on a de facto basis, including the Phenix City municipal government.

City hall

In popular culture:

The character "Maggot" from E.M. Nathanson's novel The Dirty Dozen was from Phenix City.

The 1955 film The Phenix City Story (directed by Phil Karlson) is a biopic film noir focusing on the rampant crime and corruption in the city (then called "the wickedest city in the United States") and the 1954 murder of newly-elected Alabama Attorney General Albert Patterson.

Ska saxophonist Rolando Alphonso of the Skatalites had a 1960s hit titled "Phenix City"

The late recording artist Jimmie Spheeris was born in Phenix City in 1949. Also,

Freddie Hart a Country singer who wrote and recorded "Phenix City" is from there.

The town gained attention in 1999 when Phenix City National Little League advanced to the final of the Little League World Series.

The city is mentioned in the film Driving Miss Daisy.

Chattahoochee River Dam

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