Courtesy of The Ft. Benning Infantry Musem

Fort Benning is one of the main reasons Phenix City was able to thrive during the Depression when many communities had trouble. Soldiers' paychecks were spent in the community, keeping the economy steady. Phenix City is not so unlike most communities near military institutions that provide businesses to take advantage of young men with few responsibilities and a steady paycheck.

Occasionally certain Phenix City clubs would be declared off limits to Ft. Benning personnel. Reasons usually included illegal activity and uncleanliness.