Russell County, Alabama
Russell County is located along the eastern edge of Alabama, following the Chattahoochee River, with Columbus, Georgia situated directly across the river.
Its county seat, Phenix City, has a notable history. It was once known as the “Sin City” of the South due to its turbulent past, but today it is a much calmer and more stable community.
Major routes such as U.S. Highway 431 and U.S. Highway 80 pass through the county, supporting travel and commerce. The nearby presence of Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) also contributes to a strong military influence in the region.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Russell County |
| County Seat | Phenix City |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Phenix City, Hurtsboro, Ladonia, Fort Mitchell, Seale, Pittsview, Cottonton, Uchee |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 80, U.S. Highway 280, U.S. Highway 431, State Route 26, State Route 165, State Route 169 |
| Etymology | Named after Colonel Gilbert C. Russell, a military officer who served in the Creek War |
| FIPS Code | 01-113 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 647 square miles (Land: 641 sq mi, Water: 6 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Alabama |
| Coordinates | 32.2887° N, 85.1841° W |
| Major Landmarks | Fort Mitchell Historic Site, Phenix City Amphitheater, Russell County Courthouse, Lake Oliver, Chattahoochee Riverwalk |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Lee County (North), Muscogee County, Georgia (Northeast), Chattahoochee County, Georgia (East), Stewart County, Georgia (Southeast), Barbour County (South), Bullock County (Southwest), Macon County (Northwest) |
| Population | Approximately 61,000 |
