Welcome to the Chattahoochee Valley
The Chattahoochee Valley consists of Fort Benning, Columbus/Muscogee County consolidated government, Harris County, and Chattahoochee County, Georgia. Russell County/Phenix City, and Lee County, Alabama plus several other adjoining communities are a part of this wonderful area rich in history and culture.
Columbus, Georgia, once the site of a Creek Indian Village, is one of the few cities in the United States to be planned in advance of its founding. Established in 1828 as a trading post to strengthen the western border of Georgia, Columbus was the last "frontier town" of the original Thirteen Colonies. Columbus is an authentic River Town. The gently rolling waters of the Chattahoochee have provided food, energy, employment, and recreation for the citizens of Columbus throughout the years. Today, the river is home to the 15-mile trail known as the Chattahoochee River Walk. , Columbus is the corporate headquarters of many of the United States’ leading companies such as AFLAC Insurance, Carmike Cinemas, Char-Broil, TSYS, and Tom’s Snack Foods. To learn more about Columbus, its schools and surrounding areas you may want to check out the following websites: www.columbusgachamber.com; www.columbusga.com; www.fortbenningandthevalley.com; www.visitcolumbusga.com; www.mcsdga.net (Muscogee County Schools);
Fort Benning Military Reservation, a primary U.S. Army training facility and the major employer of the region, borders Columbus on the southeast and south. Currently Fort Benning was renamed the Maneuver of Center of Excellence at Fort Benning due to BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure). The Armor School relocating from Fort Knox to Fort Benning so our area is preparing for an influx of over 28,000 people which will create over 17,000 jobs by September 2011. Fort Benning is home to the recently opened National Infantry Museum. To learn more about Fort Benning and the Infantry Museum, we invite you to check out www.benning.army.mil; www.nationalinfantrymuseum.com.
Harris County ancestors were members of the Creek Indian nation and the county was created from Muscogee and Troup County in 1827. It is a place where growth and nature thrive and business and beauty are in balance. Recently opened KIA motors have spearheaded industrial growth in this county. To learn more about Harris County you can visit www.harriscountyga.gov; www.harriscountychamber.org; and www.harris.k12.ga.us.
Chattahoochee County was formed in 1854 and is home to the county set of Cusseta and Fort Benning South. It was named for the river that forms its western boundary. To learn more about the county and Cusseta go to www.ugoccc.us.
Phenix City/Girard/Russell County, Alabama
Sometime prior to 1820, Girard was established as a trading post in the Creek Indian Territory of Alabama on the West bank of the Chattahoochee River opposite a settlement which was later named Columbus, Georgia. When Russell County was formed December 18, 1832, Girard became the County Seat.
The city of Phenix City was first incorporated as the town of Brownville on February 23, 1883. The Town of Brownville was situated north of the Town of Girard in Lee County.
The Cities of Girard and Phenix City were consolidated in 1923. To learn more about Phenix City, its schools and Russell County, you can check them out at: www.phenixcityal.us; www.pc-rcchamber.org; www.pcboe.net (Phenix City schools); http://rcsd-al.schoolloop.com (Russell County schools).
Lee County, Alabama
Lee County was established in 1966 and was named in honor of Robert E. Lee, commanding general of the Confederate army. The county seat is located in Opelika and the largest city is Auburn. Auburn is home to Auburn University. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Lee County is that every street is named Lee Road. It provides a bit of confusion to at times but its citizens quickly learn it. More information about Lee County can be found at www.leeco.us; www.opelika.com; www.aotourism.com and www.lee.k12.al.us.
