During the Federal occupation of the former Confederate States of America, the Alabama Legislature created Lee County primarily from the northern half of Russell County in 1866 and ordered the selection of a county seat more centrally located. Government in Russell County was practically non-existent at the time, with few records kept and taxes levied only for favored political purposes. An election was called and Seale won, and Simeon O'Neal and Cicero McBride selected this commanding site, with John Lewis as architect. Political opportunists kept confusion reigning, and another election was held in 1868; Seale won, excavation began, and records were removed from the former county seat at Crawford to a nearby store until rooms were sufficiently complete. Permanent funding was not enacted until 1871, with the total cost reaching $9,600.00. Simeon O'Neal was the contractor. The wing rooms, the inside stairs, and exterior rebricking were accomplished in 1908. In 1935 the branch at Phenix City was elected the county seat, with Seale remaining a branch until it was closed in 1943.