Today in History: Boll Weevil & Cotton

Boll Weevil Monument in downtown Enterprise, Alabama
Today in History–December 11–the Library of Congress features the boll weevil, a cotton crop destroying insect which was honored by the town of Enterprise, Alabama on this day in 1919. Why? Because although the pest devastated the area’s cotton fields, residents were forced to end their dependence on cotton and to pursue mixed farming and manufacturing and the town thrived. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about the boll weevil and cotton.

The Boll Weevil Honored in Alabama from America’s Library

Boll weevil images

Boll weevil songs

Boll weevil books & articles

Boll weevil historical newspaper articles

Boll weevil legislation

Cotton legislation

Cotton books & articles

Cotton sheet music

Cotton images

Cotton gin primary source set

Eli Whitney primary source set

State Spotlight: Alabama