"The big peanut monument, or "The world's largest peanut" was erected in 1975 as a tribute to the peanut processing industry that caused Ashburn to become known as "The Peanut Capital of the World," the State Symbols USA says.

"Ashburn is also home to a peanut museum and the world's largest peanut-shelling plant (The Golden Peanut Company).

"The peanut monument in Ashburn, Georgia was officially recognized as a state symbol in 1998. The peanut is also the official state crop of Georgia."

"After nearly five years, the Big Peanut statue has returned to Ashburn, Ga. The original roadside attraction went down during Hurricane Michael. The new one is stronger and locally crafted," the NPR says.

"The hurricane - it was about five hours of just pure hurricane. It was one of the strongest ones we'd ever seen. And because the peanut had been up for so long, it was in need of repair anyway. But it ended up falling over. It was made of fiberglass, so it just kind of cracked. And we had to get it back up.

"Back in 1975, the community wanted to recognize that Ashburn was the largest peanut grower. We were the largest peanut growers per capita for our landmass in the state of Georgia. And they decided we needed to have a landmark that would make us stand out."

"Hurricane Michael took down Ashburn’s Big Peanut. Fundraising efforts and local talent came together to finally rebuild it.

"It may just be an 18-foot-tall peanut (with the pedestal), but for the people here in Turner County, it means a lot. It’s a symbol of where they are. Residents say they are proud that it’s finally back," the WALB News says.

"At the re-dedication ceremony, there were a few people who raised their hands signifying they were at the original dedication ceremony in 1975. Greg Hudgins, 83, wasn’t there, but he says he’s proud to be here celebrating this time."

"Constructed in 1975, the monument was dedicated to Nora Lawrence Smith, a local journalist and citizen organizer who dedicated her life to the local community. It was also a tribute to the communities greatest product," the Atlas Obscura says.

"This massive peanut has also survived the times. In 2018, the monument was damaged by Hurricane Michael and only the brick base was left standing.

"It took nearly five years before the peanut was restored to glory thanks to the Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce, who raised around $80,000 to restore the peanut. The massive nut took 800 hours to build, weighs around 5,000 pounds, and stands well over 40 feet tall."

"The world’s largest peanut was erected in 1975, and recognized as an official state monument in 1998," The Center for Land Use Interpretation says.



"The fiberglass nut itself is ten feet tall, and sits on top of a fifteen-foot high brick cylinder with a golden crown. It is located next to the Interstate in Ashburn, Georgia, home of one of the largest peanut plants in the nation."

"The Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce raised nearly $80,000 to replace the giant groundnut, which had saluted motorists since 1975 until it was blown down on Oct. 10, 2018. The majority of the money came from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, although Turner County residents also raised thousands," the AP says.

"The peanut, atop a brick pedestal, has come to symbolize the county of 9,000 people, which is halfway between Macon and the Florida state line. Community leaders spent about $70,000 to replace the peanut, holding the remaining money for maintenance. They hired Cole Sercer, of Sercer Machine & Fabrication in nearby Rebecca, to make the new peanut.

"It took workers a combined 700 to 800 hours to build the landmark, Sercer said, which weighs around 5,000 pounds. From the bottom of the brick pylon to the top of the peanut, Sercer said the landmark is more than 40 feet tall."

"Erected in 1975, the monumental 20-foot-tall structure stood as a fitting tribute to the vital role of peanuts in Turner County's economy and the lives of its farmers. The monument holds a special place in the hearts of the community, dedicated to the memory of Nora Lawrence, a cherished journalist and co-publisher of Ashburn's esteemed local newspaper," The Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce says.

"Over the years, the Peanut Monument gained significant recognition, earning the title of Georgia's official peanut monument in 1998 and becoming an instant landmark when celebrities Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher captured a memorable selfie in front of the illustrious nut, sharing it with their followers on Instagram. The monument even found its way into popular culture as a clue on the national television show Jeopardy.

"The reconstruction efforts were spearheaded by Ashley Miller, the Executive Director of the Ashburn Turner County Chamber of Commerce, and a team of dedicated volunteers. "So many people have told me growing up they knew they were home when they saw the Big Peanut on the Interstate. It really represents so much to so many people here, it's more than just a nut," said Miller."

"Great photo opportunity and road side attraction for those who love the weird and large! Perfect stop with it's location next to the famous Carroll's Sausage & Country Store!"

"This was destroyed a few years ago due to a hurricane but has since been rebuilt and there for you to see. It’s such a beautiful place to see."

"Come by and see this huge peanut! It’s a unique landmark that my entire family look for every time we ride down 75. Love seeing it back up!"

"Who wouldn't love the world's largest peanut? Everyone should see it once...or twice! Welcome back old friend! It's worth the trip and worth the time, just to say you've done it! So glad to see it back."

"I live in Ashburn and our peanut was destroyed by Hurricane Michael October of 2018. We are proud to have it back. Come visit our community."