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Boll Weevil Monument: A Pest to Prosperity

A unique monument in Enterprise, Alabama, honoring the boll weevil's unexpected contribution to the region's agricultural prosperity and resilience.

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The Boll Weevil Monument in Enterprise, Alabama, stands as a unique tribute to an agricultural pest. Erected in 1919, it commemorates the boll weevil's role in prompting farmers to diversify their crops, leading to economic prosperity after the devastating effects on the cotton industry. It's a reminder that even from disaster, positive change can emerge.

A brief summary to Boll Weevil Monument

Local tips

  • Visit the Enterprise Depot Museum to see the original Boll Weevil Monument statue.
  • Take a stroll around downtown Enterprise to appreciate the local shops and restaurants that contribute to the town's economy.
  • Read the historical marker near the monument to learn more about the impact of the boll weevil on the region.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Boll Weevil Monument is located in the heart of downtown Enterprise at the intersection of Main Street and College Street. If you are already downtown, the monument is easily accessible on foot from most points of interest. Simply navigate towards the intersection, and you'll find the monument in the center of the intersection.

  • Public Transport

    Wiregrass Transit Authority provides public transportation within the Enterprise city limits. From any location within the city, you can use Wiregrass Transit to get to downtown Enterprise. Request a ride to the intersection of Main Street and College Street. The cost is $3.00 per person, one way. Be sure to have exact change.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Enterprise. Request a ride to 101 Main St, which will bring you directly to the monument. Taxi fares within Enterprise typically start at $2.00 per mile, so a short trip within the city should cost around $6 - $19.

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Discover more about Boll Weevil Monument

In the heart of downtown Enterprise, Alabama, stands the Boll Weevil Monument, a testament to the town's resilience and adaptability. This monument, erected in 1919, is dedicated to the boll weevil, an insect that devastated the cotton crops of the early 20th century. While seemingly an odd choice for commemoration, the boll weevil's arrival forced Coffee County farmers to diversify their agriculture, leading to a more stable and prosperous economy. The monument features a statue of a woman holding aloft a fountain, upon which a boll weevil was later added. The statue was the brainchild of local businessman Bon Fleming, who saw the monument as a way to attract attention to the town's triumph over adversity. The monument’s plaque reads: “In profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity, this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama”. The boll weevil, arriving in Alabama in 1915, decimated cotton crops, which had been the mainstay of the local economy. Farmers were forced to explore alternative crops, most notably peanuts. This diversification not only saved the local economy but ultimately led to greater financial stability. The monument serves as a reminder that challenges can be catalysts for positive change and that innovation can arise from adversity. Over the years, the monument has become a symbol of Enterprise and its indomitable spirit. It has been stolen, damaged, and restored, each event adding to its rich history. Today, a replica stands in the original location to prevent further vandalism, with the original statue housed in a nearby museum. The Boll Weevil Monument remains a quirky and thought-provoking landmark, drawing visitors from far and wide to ponder the unusual tribute to an insect that inadvertently brought prosperity to a small Southern town.

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