Phenix City Alabama is the twin city of Columbus Georgia. These twin cities are separated by the Chattahoochee River. Phenix City was named for the Eagle & Phenix Mill in Columbus. The city's symbol is the phoenix bird. The relationship between Phenix City and Columbus is both business and social. Regular interaction between these twins is a way of life.
Phenix City is the result of the consolidation of two Alabama communities: Girard and Brownsville. The Battle of Girard, fought after General Lee surrendered at Appomatox, was the Civil War's last land battle. After the Civil War, former slave Horace King, a bridge builder who built the first bridge across the Chattahoochee River and Phenix City resident, became an Alabama state representative. The Old Russell County Courthouse in Phenix City was built in 1868 and is one of Alabama's oldest courthouses.
