Doughboy Monument: A Tribute to Eufaula's WWI Heroes

The Doughboy Monument, located at the intersection of North Orange Avenue and Broad Street in Eufaula, Alabama, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by local soldiers during World War I. Dedicated on January 11, 1925, the monument features a statue of a World War I soldier, often referred to as a "doughboy," with his arm outstretched, symbolizing the advance into battle. The statue is not one of the more common "Spirit of the American Doughboy" statues designed by E.M. Viquesney. Instead, it is one of a handful of similar stone statues thought to have been crafted by the McNeel Marble Company of Marietta, Georgia. These statues lack some of the details found on the Viquesney versions, such as a gas mask pouch, backpack, and canteen. The rifle held by the Eufaula doughboy is described as a Winchester, whereas the Viquesney versions hold a Springfield 1903. The monument stands as a focal point in Eufaula, a city rich in history and Southern charm. While the city showcases its antebellum architecture and celebrates its past, the Doughboy Monument offers a space for reflection on the cost of war and the importance of honoring those who served. The monument originally did not include the names of African American soldiers, but additions were made in 2018 to ensure their service was also recognized.