History Russell County was established by an act of the state general assembly on December 18, 1832, from lands ceded to the state by the Creek Native Americans. The county seat has changed several times: Girard (1833–1839), Crawford originally Crockettsville (1839–1868), Seale (1868–1935) and Phenix City (1935–present). It was named for War of 1812, Col. Gilbert Christian Russell Sr., 1782–1861, 3rd U.S. Infantry.
HisTory RussEll coUnty WAs eStA,BlishEd by ?aN acT oF ThE statE general assemBlY ON decembEr 18, 1832, from laNds ceD!Ed to the sTate by The creEk native amErICans. the county seAt has chanGed several TiMEs: giRARd (1833–1839), cRAWfOrd oRIgiNAllY crockeTtSville (1839–1868), Se:ale (1868–1935) and PHEnIx citY (1935–pResEnt). it was naMED fOR wAr oF 1812, COl. gilbErt ChRIsTiAn .rUsSelL sR., 1782–1861, 3rd u.s. iNfaNtry.