82-596: Phenix City is a city in Lee and Russell counties in the U.S. state of Alabama , and the county seat of Russell County. As of the 2020 census , the population of the city was 38,817. Phenix City lies immediately west across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus, Georgia and observes Eastern Time on a de facto basis (in contrast to the rest of Alabama, which observes Central Time ) due to Phenix City's strong economic ties to Columbus. Most of Phenix City
164-405: A historically black college founded in 1876. Together, the three schools enroll 43,681 students as of spring 2021. The Tuscaloosa County School System serves students in the county who live outside the city limits of Tuscaloosa. The system has been in operation since 1871. The system is managed by a board of education, composed of 7 members elected by single-member districts by the voters of
246-531: A 10–15 mi (16–24 km) radius (such as Smiths Station ) to observe Eastern Time on a de facto basis. There are three radio stations licensed in Phenix City: WHTY (1460 AM), WURY-LP (97.1 FM), & WGSY (100.1 FM). Phenix City Express provides local bus service on two routes in the city connecting with METRA Transit System in Columbus. Lee County, Alabama Lee County
328-775: A 31.2% increase in housing sales. Located in the Appalachian foothills, Tuscaloosa has 177 miles of shoreline for recreational use along its waterways. The county has 35 parks, containing nearly 2,000 acres. Outdoor recreation areas include the 5000-acre Lake Tuscaloosa , Hurricane Creek , and the 250-acre Lake Lurleen in Lake Lurleen State Park. The University of Alabama Arboretum explores Tuscaloosa's native flora and fauna. Tuscaloosa's downtown entertainment district contains several music venues, including Tuscaloosa Amphitheater , which regularly hosts live music performances. The 1938 Bama Theatre , which has
410-470: A female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.03. In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
492-413: A female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42, and the average family size was 3.02. In the county, 21.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 19.7% was from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.8%
574-747: A historic train trestle, is also an events venue. Every Friday evening during the summer, the City of Tuscaloosa holds a free live concert series, Live at the Plaza. The Tuscaloosa River Market hosts two weekly farmers markets and is open year-round, although only the Saturday market is open year-round. Historical museums in Tuscaloosa County include the Alabama Museum of Natural History , The Mildred Westervelt Warner Transportation Museum, and
656-567: A large, skilled workforce, the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority recently identified six target industries for future economic growth and expansion: Research & Development, Healthcare, Corporate Operations, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, and Energy. The county is the home to Tier-1 research university The University of Alabama , Shelton State Community College , and private liberal arts school Stillman College ,
738-637: A median income of $ 33,598 versus $ 23,228 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 17,158. About 11.1% of families and 21.8% of the population were below the poverty line , including 16.3% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over. Among the principal governmental functions vested in Alabama counties are law enforcement; tax assessment, levy and collection; administration of decedent's estates and probate matters; maintenance of real and personal property title records; construction and maintenance of public roads and bridges; and maintenance of
820-576: A median income of $ 42,335 versus $ 31,766 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 22,794. About 11.0% of families and 19.2% of the population were below the poverty line , including 19.0% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2000 census , there were 115,092 people, 45,702 households, and 27,284 families living in the county. The population density was 189 people per square mile (73 people/km ). There were 50,329 housing units at an average density of 83 units per square mile (32 units/km ). The racial makeup of
902-525: A public, two-year college with an acceptance rate of 100%. Troy University has a satellite campus in Phenix City. As of 2023, the mayor is Eddie N. Lowe , the city's first black mayor elected by the public. The city manager, who holds the task of organizational matters, is Wallace Hunter. Phenix City is located at 32°28′22″N 85°1′12″W / 32.47278°N 85.02000°W / 32.47278; -85.02000 (32.472822, −85.020121). It
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#1732775325797984-501: A registered voter and live within the district they represent. Terms are staggered so that three commissioners are elected in one election cycle, and the other two members are elected in the next election cycle two years later. The County Commission employs a County Administrator, who serves as its chief administrative officer. It is the responsibility of the County Administrator to carry out the policies and directives of
1066-731: A yearly attendance of 10,000-20,000. Football games in Tuscaloosa make a $ 25.8 million per-game impact. The University of Alabama has 21 varsity SEC teams, including Crimson Tide Football . Alabama teams have achieved 18 recognised national championships, and the Bryant-Denny Stadium , with a capacity of 100,077, is one of the world's largest on-campus football stadiums. Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Authority (PARA) operates seven activity centers that have facilities for basketball, swimming, workouts, and other recreation. PARA also operates youth sports leagues, as does
1148-478: Is 103,367, accounting for 62.7% of the county in population, while only accounting for 6.9% in area. Consequently, the population density of the central population core is 1,137 persons per square mile (439 persons/km ), while the density of the county outside the central population core is only 44 persons per square mile (17 persons/km ). There were 71,429 housing units at an average density of 54 units per square mile (21 units/km ). The racial makeup of
1230-663: Is a county located in east central Alabama . As of the 2020 census the population was 174,241. The county seat is Opelika , and the largest city is Auburn . The county was established in 1866 and is named for General Robert E. Lee (1807–1870), who served as General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States in 1865. Lee County comprises the Auburn-Opelika, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area , which
1312-562: Is a nationally renowned state agency that provides no-cost career technical program enhancements at the state's community and technical colleges, customizing services to benefit employers and trainees. Alabama Technology Network, part of the Alabama Community College System, is ISO 9001:2008 Certified and connects industry leaders with government and education resources to provide workforce training, technical assistance, and engineering services to existing workers in
1394-538: Is included in the Columbus -Auburn-Opelika, GA -AL Combined Statistical Area . Lee County was established by the State Legislature on December 5, 1866, comprising parts of Macon , Tallapoosa , Chambers , and Russell counties. In an election to determine the county seat, Opelika was chosen over Auburn and Salem . In 1923, Phenix City , located in the southeastern corner of Lee County, merged with
1476-738: Is included in the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area , and the remainder is in Lee County and therefore included in the Auburn, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. The entire city is part of the Columbus-Auburn-Opelika Combined Statistical Area . In 2007, BusinessWeek named Phenix City the nation's no. 1 best affordable suburb to raise a family. It is home to Chattahoochee Valley Community College ,
1558-549: Is somewhat conservative for a county dominated by a college town. While most such counties have swung toward the Democrats since the 1990s, Tuscaloosa County has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1976, the only time it has gone Democratic since 1960. For example, Tuscaloosa County voted for John McCain over Barack Obama in the 2008 Election by a margin of 58-42%. However, Obama attracted high turnout and many votes from young people and others, in addition to
1640-623: Is the easternmost settlement in the state of Alabama as well as the Central Time Zone , but it and some other nearby areas unofficially observe Eastern Time, as these areas are part of the metropolitan area of the considerably larger city of Columbus, Georgia, which is in the Eastern Time Zone and adjacent to the city across the Chattahoochee River to the east. Several major highways run through Phenix City, namely U.S. routes 80 , 280 , and 431 . U.S. Route 80 runs through
1722-867: Is the second-largest county in Alabama by land area and third-largest by total area. It is located in the west central part of the state, in the region commonly known as West Alabama. The county straddles the boundary between the Appalachian Highlands and the Gulf Coastal Plain and consequently boasts a diverse geography. Tuscaloosa County contains part of the Talladega National Forest , a national protected area. Adjacent counties are: Walker County (northeast), Jefferson County (east), Bibb County (southeast), Hale County (south), Greene County (southwest), Pickens County (west), and Fayette County (northwest) As of
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#17327753257971804-489: Is today." According to a police violence tracking website, police have killed directly or indirectly 18 people over the last 21 years in the county, half of them African American. According to the United States Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 1,351 square miles (3,500 km ), of which 1,322 square miles (3,420 km ) is land and 30 square miles (78 km ) (2.2%) is water. It
1886-438: Is what forms the southern " panhandle " of Lee County. Even after the land swap with Russell County, however, the city limits of present-day Phenix City stretch into the southeastern corner of Lee. On March 3, 2019, a series of tornadoes hit the county, killing 23 people and injuring others. The deaths and injuries occurred in the community of Beauregard, situated southeast of the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area. According to
1968-538: The 2020 census , there were 227,036 people, 89,962 households, and 53,843 families residing in the county. The population density was 171.9 inhabitants per square mile (66.4/km ) There were 101,460 housing units. As of the 2010 census , there were 194,656 people, 76,141 households, and 46,304 families residing in the county. The population density was 147 persons per square mile (57 persons/km ). There were 84,872 housing units at an average density of 64 units per square mile (25 units/km ). The racial makeup of
2050-609: The Alabama Department of Transportation . Tuscaloosa County has a total labor force of approximately 100,220 that includes many recent graduates of local higher education institutions. The county partners with West AlabamaWorks, a workforce development organization that connects government, education, and private sector partners throughout a nine-county region. The county also works closely with statewide workforce development resources including Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT) and Alabama Technology Network. AIDT
2132-564: The Confederate armies. During the last weeks of the War, a brigade of Union troops raiding the city burned the campus of the university. The town of Tuscaloosa was also damaged in the battle and shared fully in the South's economic sufferings which followed the defeat. Following Reconstruction, there was violence as whites struggled to regain control of the state legislature. It reached a height in
2214-561: The GLS-Class and GLE-CLASS . The plant brought thousands of jobs to the area through its own direct hires as well as those of the many component suppliers it attracted. On April 27, 2011, the city of Tuscaloosa was hit by a half-mile (800 m) wide EF4 tornado , which was part of the 2011 Super Outbreak . It resulted in at least 44 deaths in the city, over 1000 injuries, and massive devastation. Officials at DCH Hospital (alone) in Tuscaloosa reported treating more than 1000 injured people in
2296-572: The Great Migration in the first half of the 20th century. They went to Northern and Midwestern industrial cities. Their mass departure from Tuscaloosa County is reflected in the lower rates of county population growth from 1910 to 1930, and from 1950 to 1970. (see Census Table). Blacks by 1960 represented 28.7% of the county population, and they were still disenfranchised throughout the state. African Americans in Tuscaloosa were active in demonstrations and other civil rights activities throughout
2378-518: The Paul W. Bryant Museum , which celebrates The University of Alabama's athletics history. There is also The Children's Hands on Museum (CHOM) which showcases the history of Tuscaloosa County. Kentuck Art Center in historic downtown Northport represents approximately 180 artists from around the country, 60% of whom are local to Alabama. The center also hosts an annual Kentuck Festival of the Arts, which has
2460-702: The Salem-Shotwell Covered Bridge and the Grand National Golf course which is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail . 32°36′05″N 85°21′13″W / 32.60139°N 85.35361°W / 32.60139; -85.35361 Tuscaloosa County, Alabama Tuscaloosa County is a county in the northwest-central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama and is the center of commerce, education, industry, health care, and entertainment for
2542-562: The U.S. Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 24.8 square miles (64 km), of which 24.6 square miles (64 km) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.52 km) (0.61%) is water. The climate in this area is characterized by relatively high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Phenix City has a humid subtropical climate , abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. What some claim
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2624-512: The United States Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 616 square miles (1,600 km ), of which 608 square miles (1,570 km ) is land and 8.3 square miles (21 km ) (1.3%) is water. The county straddles the fall line between the Piedmont region to the north, and the Gulf coastal plain to the south. Thus, northern areas of the county are hillier compared to southern areas of
2706-520: The 1960s, seeking desegregation of public facilities, including the county courthouse. The university was at the center of significant moments in the civil rights movement, including the admission of Autherine Lucy and the pro-segregation demonstration that followed as well as the Stand in the Schoolhouse Door incident in which then-governor George Wallace attempted to stop desegregation of
2788-485: The African-American minority. The latter make up 28.9% of the population of the county and have supported Democrats in national elections since the civil rights era and restoration of their constitutional right to vote. In 2018 Alabama gubernatorial election . Democratic candidate Walt Maddox , the mayor of the city of Tuscaloosa, won the county by a mere one vote over incumbent Republican Kay Ivey , who won
2870-557: The Russell County portion of Phenix City was designated the second county seat (the seat from 1868 had been at rural Seale ). In 1934/35, Phenix City then became the sole county seat. Phenix City was notorious during the 1940s and 1950s for being a haven for organized crime, prostitution, and gambling. Many of its customers came from the United States Army training center at Fort Benning , Georgia . The leaders of
2952-618: The Triumph of Phenix City, Alabama by Margaret Ann Barnes chronicles these events, which led the small town to be known as "Sin City, USA". The bordertown was the subject of an acclaimed film, The Phenix City Story , made in 1955. In 1955, it won the All-America City Award from the National Municipal League . Despite the city having been entirely annexed into Russell County in 1932, the growth of
3034-990: The YMCA. For tennis, there are two country clubs as well as a public facility. The county is also home to many public and private golf courses. Tuscaloosa County's largest employers represent education institutions, quality health-care providers, and enterprises focused on advanced manufacturing for the automotive and other industries. The county's 20 largest employers are: The University of Alabama , Mercedes Benz U.S. International , DCH Regional Medical Center , Tuscaloosa County Board of Education , City of Tuscaloosa Board of Education , Warrior Met Coal, Inc., The City of Tuscaloosa, Michelin/BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing , Veterans Administration Medical Center, SMP Automotive Systems, Phifer Incorporated, Brose Tuscaloosa , Northport Medical Center , ARD Logistics, Shelton State Community College , Bryce Hospital , Tuscaloosa County, Nucor Tuscaloosa , ZF Chassis Systems Tuscaloosa Axel Systems , and
3116-419: The age of 18 living with them, 39.4% were married couples living together, 22.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.99. In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.3% under
3198-405: The age of 18 living with them; 47.20% were married couples living together, 14.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.40% were non-families. 28.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42, and the average family size was 3.00. In the county, 23.40% of the population
3280-458: The age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.4 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 26,720, and the median income for a family was $ 33,740. Males had a median income of $ 28,906 versus $ 21,348 for females. The per capita income for
3362-410: The city has spread northward back into Lee County, where it first appeared on 1980 U.S. Census records. As of 2010, nearly 4,200 residents (out of almost 33,000) reside in the Lee County portion. Phenix City is home to many Christian churches. The denominations include: As of the census of 2000, there were 28,265 people, 11,517 households, and 7,566 families residing in the city. The population density
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3444-476: The city was $ 14,619. About 18.8% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.5% of those under age 18 and 20.6% of those age 65 or over. As of the census of 2010, there were 32,822 people, 13,243 households, and 8,623 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,334.2 inhabitants per square mile (515.1/km). There were 15,198 housing units at an average density of 617.8 per square mile (238.5/km). The racial makeup of
3526-404: The city was 48.7% white , 46.6% black or African American , 0.3% Native American , .7% Asian , 0.2% Pacific Islander , 1.4% from other races , and 2.2% from two or more races. 4.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 13,243 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.4% were married couples living together, 23.9% had
3608-507: The commission, and for the development and management of the county's annual operating budget. The Administrator serves as the budgetary agent for all county offices. The County Administrator is also responsible for the supervision and management of various department heads, and for ensuring that all agreements, leases and other contractual obligations of the commission are properly performed. The County Administrator works with Lee County Commissioners and other elected county officials to facilitate
3690-658: The company employs over 4,000 people at the facility. Even so, Tier-1 research university The University of Alabama remains the county's largest employer and dominant economic and cultural engine. See also the history of Tuscaloosa, Alabama The pace of white settlement in the Southeast increased greatly after the War of 1812 and the Treaty of Fort Jackson and the subsequent availability of land previously settled by Native Americans. A small assortment of log cabins soon arose near
3772-570: The county courthouse, which provides office space for various county officials and departments. Lee County is one of only seven counties in Alabama that has been granted limited home rule. It is governed by a six-member county commission, composed of the Probate Judge and five commissioners. The Probate Judge is elected countywide for a six-year term and serves as chairman of the commission. The other commissioners are elected from single-member districts for four-year terms. Each commissioner must be
3854-537: The county outside the limits of the city of Tuscaloosa. The board appoints a superintendent to manage the day-to-day operations of the system. In school year 2020–21, over 18,700 students (ALSDE Report Card) were enrolled by the system. There are 19 elementary schools, 2 intermediate schools, 7 middle schools and 6 high schools. Children are also served at the Tuscaloosa Regional Detention Center and Sprayberry Regional Educational Center;
3936-419: The county was $ 18,998. About 11.30% of families and 17.00% of the population were below the poverty line , including 19.50% of those under age 18 and 13.20% of those age 65 or over. Tuscaloosa County has an overall cost of living that is 12% lower than the national average. The average housing value as of May 2021 was $ 182,303. Between 2020 and 2021, the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority reported
4018-416: The county was 66.3% White , 29.6% Black or African American , 0.3% Native American , 1.2% Asian , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 1.5% from other races , and 1.1% from two or more races. Nearly 3.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 76,141 households, out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them; 41.6% were married couples living together, 14.9% had
4100-525: The county was 68.12% White , 29.31% Black or African American , 0.23% Native American , 0.92% Asian , 0.03% Pacific Islander , 0.56% from other races , and 0.82% from two or more races. Nearly 1.29% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. According to the 2000 census the largest ancestry groups in Tuscaloosa County were: 31.2% English , 29.31% African , 8.9% Irish , 7% German , 2.9% Scots-Irish and 2% Scottish . There were 64,517 households, out of which 30.30% had children under
4182-552: The county was 71.3% White, 22.7% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. 3.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 55,682 households 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were non-families. 27.9% of households were one person and 6.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size
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#17327753257974264-553: The county was 74.1% White, 22.7% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. 1.4% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 45,702 households 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 27.8% of households were one person and 5.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size
4346-512: The county's vote in both of his successful runs for president, as did Barack Obama in both of his campaigns. Lee County is home to Auburn University , a large comprehensive public university, and Southern Union State Community College , a two-year degree and technical college. Lee County is home to Auburn University Museum of Natural History, Chewacla State Park , the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art , Bean's Mill,
4428-564: The county. As of the 2020 census , there were 174,241 people, 68,728 households, and 41,796 families residing in the county. The population density was 286.8 inhabitants per square mile (110.7/km ) There were 74,856 housing units. As of the 2010 census , there were 140,247 people, 55,682 households, and 33,692 families living in the county. The population density was 227.7 people per square mile (87.9 people/km ). There were 62,391 housing units at an average density of 101.3 units per square mile (39.1 units/km ). The racial makeup of
4510-414: The crime syndicate in Phenix City were Jimmie Matthews and Hoyt Shepherd. Albert Patterson , from Phenix City, was elected to become attorney general of Alabama on a platform of reforming the city, but was shot and killed in 1954 outside his office on 5th Ave, north of 14th Street. As a result, the city had a negative reputation, and many people still associate this legacy with Phenix City. The Tragedy and
4592-550: The delivery of quality and effective services to the citizens of Lee County. Lee County is very conservative for a county dominated by a college town. While other such counties have swung heavily to the Democrats since the 1990s, Lee County has not supported a Democrat for president since 1960 . The last Democrat to garner over 40 percent of the county's vote was Jimmy Carter in both of his election campaigns in 1976 and 1980 . However, Bill Clinton tallied over 38 percent of
4674-436: The district, including 13 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 3 high schools and 3 campuses dedicated to specialty education: one for students with special needs and those receiving alternative education, a school for students studying performing arts, and a career technical facility for grades 9 – 12. The three high schools are Paul W. Bryant High School , Central High School , and Northridge High School . Tuscaloosa County
4756-720: The economy and trade, and mining and metallurgical industries were developed in the region. By the advent of the 20th century, the growth of the University of Alabama and the mental health-care facilities in the city, along with a strong national economy, fueled a steady growth in Tuscaloosa which continued unabated for 100 years. In 1901, the state legislature passed a constitution that disenfranchised most African Americans and tens of thousands of poor whites and followed with Jim Crow laws enforcing racial segregation. Due to this oppression and problems of continued violence by lynchings , many African Americans left Alabama in two waves of
4838-568: The first several days of the tornado aftermath. Mayor Maddox was quoted saying that "We have neighborhoods that have been basically removed from the map." On April 29, President Barack Obama, upon touring the tornado damage in Tuscaloosa, said "I have never seen devastation like this". In the decade since, more than $ 1 billion in public and private funding has assisted the community in recovery. Former Tuscaloosa City Council President told NPR in 2021, "Black, white, young and old come together and we worked through this thing and made Tuscaloosa what it
4920-672: The following areas: Tuscaloosa City Schools and the Tuscaloosa County School District both offer technical and career education as part of their standard curriculum. Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy, part of Tuscaloosa City Schools, offers instruction in 17 career pathways at its $ 23-million facility. The Bill Taylor Institute, a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. and AIDT, offers high school and community apprenticeship courses. Capitalizing on access to research and development resources of its higher education institutions along with
5002-546: The institution by denying entrance to two African-American students. The late 20th century brought positive economic news when Mercedes-Benz announced it would build its first U.S. assembly plant near Vance . The facility opened in 1995 and began assembling the R-Class Grand Sport Tourer in 2005. From 2006 to 2015 it produced the GL-Class vehicles; and since 1998 and 2015 respectively, has produced
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#17327753257975084-567: The large Creek village at the fall line of the river, which the new settlers named in honor of the sixteenth-century Chief Tuskaloosa . of a Muskogean -speaking tribe and paramount chief of the Mississippian culture . To form the word, they combined the Choctaw words "tushka" or "tashka" ("warrior") and "lusa" ("black"). In 1817, Alabama became a territory . Tuscaloosa County was established on February 6, 1818. On December 13, 1819,
5166-650: The late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tuscaloosa County had a total of 10 documented lynchings of African Americans , according to a 2015 study by the Equal Justice Initiative . In the 1890s the construction of a system of locks and dams on the Black Warrior River by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers improved navigation to such an extent that Tuscaloosa was effectively connected to the Gulf Coast seaport of Mobile . This stimulated
5248-556: The latter provides services to at risk, and special needs children. The six county high schools are Brookwood High School (Brookwood), Hillcrest High School (Taylorville), Holt (Holt), Northside (Samantha), Sipsey Valley (Coker), and Tuscaloosa County High School (Northport). The Tuscaloosa City School System serves students who live in the city of Tuscaloosa. There are approximately 10,000 students enrolled in Tuscaloosa City Schools. Twenty-four schools comprise
5330-493: The name of Phenix City. Because the consolidated city still remained divided into two counties, in 1932, the Lee County portion was moved entirely into Russell County (also cited for the redraw was to account for population shifts involved in the Auburn University opening and expansion). Lee County received the rural segment at Marvyn as compensation, which was formerly in Russell County's northwest corner. In 1926,
5412-470: The northern and western parts of the city, leading west 44 mi (71 km) to Tuskegee and northeast to Columbus, Georgia. U.S. 280 runs through the western part of the city from northwest to southeast, leading northwest 27 mi (43 km) to Opelika and southeast into Columbus. U.S. 431 runs north to south to the west of the city, concurrent with US 280, which it follows to Opelika, and leads south 47 mi (76 km) to Eufaula . According to
5494-610: The population were below the poverty line , including 22.4% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2000 census , there were 164,875 people, 64,517 households, and 41,677 families residing in the county. The population density was 124 persons per square mile (48 persons/km ). The population core of the county lies in Tuscaloosa - Northport conurbation (including Coaling , Coker , and Holt CDP ). The combined 2000 Census population of this area (not including their undesignated suburban census areas)
5576-507: The poverty line, including 39.7% of those under age 18 and 13.1% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2020 United States census , there were 38,816 people, 14,716 households, and 9,170 families residing in the city. Unlike the rest of Alabama which lies in the Central Time Zone , Phenix City's proximity to the larger city of neighboring Columbus, Georgia , located in the Eastern Time Zone , and its strong economic links leads Phenix City (including its municipal government) and localities within
5658-712: The principal crop was cotton, cultivated and processed by African-American slaves. By 1860, shortly before Alabama's secession from the Union, the county had a total of 12,971 whites, 84 "free" African Americans, and 10,145 African-American slaves; the latter comprised 43.7 percent of the total population. The Civil War brought significant changes, including migration out of the county by some African Americans. Some freedmen moved to nearby counties and larger cities for more opportunities and to join with other freedmen in communities less subject to white supervision and intimidation. Several thousand men from Tuscaloosa County fought in
5740-445: The region. As of the 2020 census , its population was 227,036, making it the fifth-most populous county in Alabama. The county seat and largest city is Tuscaloosa . Tuscaloosa County is part of the Tuscaloosa, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area , which also includes Hale and Pickens counties. The community gained international attention in 1993 when it landed Mercedes-Benz 's first North American assembly plant, and as of 2021,
5822-548: The south side was Girard, in Russell County, and the town of Brownville, on the north side, which was entirely within Lee County . Because a community in Tuscaloosa County already claimed the name of Brownville , post office officials insisted on the name of "Lively". To compound the confusion, the nearby railroad depot was called Knight's Station. Because residents preferred Brownville, on the 1880 U.S. census, it
5904-455: The state legislature. The city's official website displays the mythical phoenix, while the city's seal also depicts a phoenix burning up in its nest. The 'Our Community/History' page confirms the uncertainty behind the name: "Although no definitive source reveals why this name was chosen." On August 9, 1923, Russell County's neighboring Girard (which made up most of current downtown Phenix City) and Lee County's Phenix City formally merged, keeping
5986-508: The territorial legislature incorporated the town of Tuskaloosa- now Tuscaloosa - one day before Congress admitted Alabama the Union as a state . From 1826 to 1846, Tuskaloosa was the capital of Alabama. The State House was built at the corner of 6th Street and 28th Avenue (now the site of Capitol Park). In 1831, the University of Alabama was established. During the antebellum years,
6068-493: The town of Girard, located in the northeastern corner of Russell County . To prevent the new town of Phenix City from straddling the Lee-Russell line, Lee County ceded to Russell County the 10 square miles (25.9 km ) in the southeastern corner surrounding Phenix City in exchange for 20 square miles (51.8 km ) in the northwest corner of Russell County surrounding the unincorporated community of Marvyn . This territory
6150-489: Was 1,149.1 inhabitants per square mile (443.7/km). There were 13,250 housing units at an average density of 538.7 per square mile (208.0/km). The racial makeup of the city was 52.94% white , 44.97% black or African American , 0.23% Native American , 0.53% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , .56% from other races , and .76% from two or more races. 1.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 11,517 households, out of which 31.7% had children under
6232-418: Was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.03. The age distribution was 23.3% under the age of 18, 22.7% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% 65 or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.20 males. The median household income was $ 30,952 and the median family income was $ 46,781. Males had
6314-418: Was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.03. The age distribution was 22.5% under the age of 18, 20.5% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% 65 or older. The median age was 28.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.0 males. The median household income was $ 40,894 and the median family income was $ 59,112. Males had
6396-408: Was 33.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.0 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 33,120, and the median income for a family was $ 39,417. Males had a median income of $ 36,827 versus $ 27,001 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 18,883. About 20.3% of families and 23.9% of the population were below
6478-433: Was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 42,311, and the median income for a family was $ 58,756. Males had a median income of $ 42,424 versus $ 32,163 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 22,546. About 11.3% of families and 19.7% of
6560-445: Was listed as both Brownville and Lively. It was formally incorporated by the legislature on February 23, 1883. Within the decade, the name would be changed to Phenix (or Phenix City), although some misspellings had it as "Phoenix". It was not clear if it was named for Phenix Mills in nearby Columbus, Georgia or for the fabled bird . It appeared as Phenix City on the 1890 U.S. census and was incorporated as such on February 19, 1897, by
6642-529: Was the last battle of the American Civil War , the Battle of Columbus , took place here on April 16, 1865, in Phenix City, then known as Girard . Union General James Wilson was met with Confederate opposition as he crossed the Chattahoochee River in an attempt to destroy the military industry of Columbus, Georgia . Phenix City was initially two towns bordering each other on the north and south. On
6724-478: Was under the age of 18, 16.50% was from 18 to 24, 28.10% from 25 to 44, 20.80% from 45 to 64, and 11.30% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.50 males. The median income for a household in the county was $ 34,436, and the median income for a family was $ 45,485. Males had a median income of $ 34,807 versus $ 24,128 for females. The per capita income for
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