When it comes to roadside attractions and quirky monuments, few things catch the eye quite like oversized food items. Among them, the “world’s largest peanut” stands out as a curious nod to agricultural heritage and small-town pride. From Oklahoma to Georgia, there are several contenders claiming to hold this unusual title. But which one actually deserves it? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the peanut monuments across the United States, explore their histories, and separate fact from folklore in the search for the biggest peanut in the world.

If you're someone who enjoys quirky road trip destinations, loves a bit of agricultural trivia, or is just plain curious about what qualifies as “the world’s largest peanut,” you’ve come to the right place. This is a story about oversized aluminum nuts, local pride, and a record-breaking peanut that was grown in someone’s backyard — not sculpted by a welder.

So, buckle up and get ready to dive into a surprisingly rich tale of peanuts, pride, and a few unexpected twists along the way. You might just find yourself adding a new stop to your next road adventure.

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Table of Contents

• The History of the Peanut Monument
• Durant, Oklahoma vs. Ashburn, Georgia: Who Holds the Title?
• The World’s Largest Peanut (Grown, Not Built)
• Other Oversized Peanuts Across the U.S.
• Frequently Asked Questions

The History of the Peanut Monument

In the small town of Durant, Oklahoma, a rather unusual landmark quietly sits in front of City Hall. It’s a 3-foot-long aluminum peanut mounted on a granite base, unveiled with much fanfare on November 15, 1974. The town proudly declared it the “world’s largest peanut,” a nod to Bryan County’s strong ties to peanut farming and processing.

The statue was made from 50 pounds of aluminum, molded into a plump peanut in its shell. It was dedicated to the local peanut growers and processors, celebrating the industry that helped sustain the region. Standing at just 3 feet long and 18 inches in diameter, it’s actually pretty small compared to other “world’s largest” monuments — but it’s got a big heart behind it.

For many years, Durant held onto its claim with pride. But as time went on, other peanut monuments popped up across the U.S., and the debate over who actually holds the title of the world’s largest peanut became a bit more complicated.

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Durant, Oklahoma vs. Ashburn, Georgia: Who Holds the Title?

While Durant’s peanut is undeniably charming, Ashburn, Georgia, has a peanut monument of its own — and it’s a lot bigger. Erected in 1975, Ashburn’s peanut monument towers at a full 20 feet tall. That’s more than six times the height of Durant’s version. The structure was built as a tribute to the peanut processing industry that helped put Ashburn on the map.

So, in terms of sheer size, Ashburn’s peanut definitely wins the height contest. But here’s where things get tricky: Durant’s peanut is a solid sculpture of the actual nut, while Ashburn’s monument is more of a symbolic structure. It’s shaped like a peanut, sure, but it’s not a literal oversized peanut like Durant’s. So depending on how you define “world’s largest peanut,” the answer might change.

Some people argue that the Ashburn monument doesn’t count because it’s more of a landmark than a literal peanut sculpture. Others say the sheer scale of it makes it the true contender. Either way, both towns have their own unique claim to peanut fame, and both are worth a visit if you’re into quirky roadside attractions.

The World’s Largest Peanut (Grown, Not Built)

Now, let’s switch gears for a moment and talk about the world’s largest peanut — not the one built out of aluminum, but the one that actually grew in the ground. This record-breaking peanut was grown in North Carolina in 1998 by a farmer whose green thumb apparently knew no bounds.

The peanut measured about 12 inches long and weighed a hefty 1.3 pounds (approximately 0.59 kilograms). That’s more than double the size of an average peanut, making it a truly impressive find. The peanut was so remarkable that a statue was even erected in its honor — again, in front of City Hall in Durant, Oklahoma. Wait a minute — that’s the same city that claims to have the world’s largest peanut monument?

Yes, that’s right. So here’s the thing: Durant has two claims to peanut fame — one for a monument, and one for a real peanut that was actually the largest ever recorded. But the monument isn’t the same as the peanut that was grown. That’s where a lot of the confusion comes from. People mix up the monument with the actual peanut record.

If we’re talking about the biggest peanut ever grown, the 12-inch, 1.3-pound peanut from 1998 is the one that holds the record. But that doesn’t mean the monument in Durant is any less special — it’s just a different kind of record.

Other Oversized Peanuts Across the U.S.

It’s not just Durant and Ashburn that have gone big on peanuts. There are a few other peanut monuments scattered across the country, each with its own story and unique design.

• Pearsall, Texas: Known as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” Pearsall has a peanut monument of its own. The town markets over 55 million pounds of peanuts each year, and the monument serves as a proud symbol of that legacy.
• Dothan, Alabama: While not necessarily the largest, Dothan has a peanut monument that pays tribute to the peanut industry’s role in the region’s economy. The city even hosts an annual Peanut Festival!
• Other local landmarks: Various towns across peanut-growing states have smaller monuments, statues, or signs celebrating their connection to this humble legume.

Each of these monuments tells a different story about the importance of peanuts in American agriculture and culture. Whether they’re towering over city streets or sitting quietly in front of town halls, they all contribute to a larger narrative about pride, community, and the quirky side of Americana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the world’s largest peanut located?

The world’s largest peanut monument is located in Ashburn, Georgia, standing 20 feet tall. However, the largest peanut ever grown was from North Carolina and weighed 1.3 pounds.

Is the peanut in Durant, Oklahoma, really the world’s largest?

Durant’s peanut monument measures just 3 feet long and is often bested by other peanut landmarks in size. While it’s a beloved local attraction, it may not hold the title of the world’s largest peanut monument.

What is the record for the largest peanut ever grown?

The record for the largest peanut ever grown belongs to a 12-inch peanut from North Carolina, which weighed 1.3 pounds. It was grown in 1998 and commemorated with a statue in Durant, Oklahoma.

For more quirky roadside attractions and fun food facts, learn more about the world's biggest things on our site.