Glennville was the first permanent community in what is today Russell County . It was founded in 1835 , after the Muscogee removal , by Methodist preacher James Elizabeth Glenn . The town quickly developed into an economic and cultural center of East Alabama . In addition to the Methodist Church , the community was home to Male and Female Academies and the Weyman School for Girls , all of which were renowned throughout the South for their classical curricula . The town also had a post office , stores , a Masonic Lodge , and an inn . The town incorporated in 1854 , seeking to attract a rail line , but the line was opposed by many planters in the community . With railroad bypassing Glennville and diminished power and influence of farmers after the Civil War , the town gradually faded
removal
Trail of Tears
Glenville, Alabama