Phenix City in Russell County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Confederate Fort
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 6, 2025
1. Confederate Fort Marker
On the hill to the northwest is an earthen fortification built in 1863 as part of the defenses of the Confederate navy yard, iron works and other war-related industries in nearby Columbus, Georgia. Designated Fort No. 5 on the plan done by the CSA engineers, the well-preserved fort has three cannon emplacements. It is pentagonal, of 90 foot sides. Escarpments are 30 feet. Trenches flank the central unit.
During the attack by Federal troops under Major General James H. Wilson on April 16, 1865, the fort and other outer defenses were not manned due to lack of Confederate manpower.
Erected 1988 by The Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Russell County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1865.
Location. 32° 28.947′ N, 85° 1.876′ W. Marker is in Phenix City, Alabama, in Russell County. It is on U.S. 80/280 near Stadium Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Phenix City AL 36867, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Columbus. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fort Jabe Brassell (approx. 1.1 miles away); Allen Temple A.M.E. Church / Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); Union Night Attack Down Summerville Road
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Red Hill Batteries (was approx. 1.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 18, 2012
2. Confederate Fort Marker, seen by U.S. 80 / U.S. 280
Photographed by Www.chattahoocheeheritage.org, circa February 6, 2013
3. Former Confederate Fort Entrenchments
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, July 6, 2025
4. Confederate Fort Marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 18, 2012
5. Confederate Fort Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,976 times since then and 98 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2. submitted on October 3, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on May 9, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4. submitted on August 2, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 5. submitted on October 3, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.
