Phenix City’s History of Prostitution and Organized Crime

Phenix City, Alabama, gained notoriety during the 1940s and 1950s as a hub for organized crime, gambling, and prostitution. This period marked the city as one of the most notorious in the region.

The Scale of Prostitution

Records examined by guardsmen and investigators revealed that prostitution in Phenix City and its surrounding areas generated between $1 million and $2 million annually. At its peak, the city was home to as many as 1,000 prostitutes. The infamous „B-girls” (bar girls) were often coerced into prostitution, with some being drugged and exploited for financial gain.

Organized Crime and Corruption

The city’s thriving vice industry was heavily controlled by organized crime syndicates. Gambling, drug dealing, and prostitution were openly tolerated, with political corruption enabling these activities to flourish. Phenix City became a haven for criminal enterprises, with its bars and brothels targeting soldiers and other vulnerable individuals.

Efforts to Clean Up the City

The arrival of the National Guard in 1955 marked a turning point. A crime-busting lawyer and his attorney father led efforts to dismantle the criminal networks that dominated the city. Their efforts focused on ending the gambling and prostitution rackets that had plagued Phenix City for decades.

Legacy and Modern-Day Issues

Phenix City’s reputation as „Sin City” persisted long after its cleanup efforts. Today, while the city has made significant progress, occasional prostitution stings and human trafficking cases remind us of its complex history. The story of Phenix City serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in combating organized crime and vice.

*TAGS* – organized crime history, prostitution in Phenix City, Phenix City cleanup, human trafficking cases