The Boll Weevil
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
What happened? Summarize the event!
Where did the event take place?
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The Boll Weevil
Who was involved? Farmers, agricultural workers, scientists, and the Georgia Department of Agriculture were involved and affected by the infestation of the Boll Weevil.
What happened? The Boll Weevil, a small beetle native to Mexico, invaded Georgia and destroyed cotton crops throughout the state during the early 20th century. This severely impacted the economy and forced farmers to diversify their crops.
Where did the event take place? The event took place in various regions of Georgia, primarily in the southern part of the state where cotton farming was prevalent.
When did the event take place? The Boll Weevil infestation occurred in Georgia in the early 20th century, with the peak of the damage happening in the 1910s and 1920s.
Why is this event important to Georgia's history? The Boll Weevil infestation was a significant event in Georgia's history as it forced farmers to move away from relying solely on cotton production. This led to the diversification of crops, new agricultural practices, and the rise of the peanut industry in Georgia. The event also highlighted the need for pest control methods and research in agriculture.