Lauderdale County World War I Monument, Meridian, Mississippi

The doughboy was dedicated by the T. C. Carter American Legion Post 21 on November 11, 1927. There is small cannon on the triangular base immediately in front of the monument. A reference at the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission website lists the monument as having been built “ca. 1918”. If so, it means the monument base was built first, and the statue added in 1927. The monument is the “Spirit of the American Doughboy,” and was specifically dedicated to the memory of Thomas Clay Carter Jr., a native of Meridian. It can be reached from the intersection of 23rd Avenue and 6th Street. N 32° 21.842 W 088° 42.076 Inscription on plaque inside base: 1917 – 1918 To the glory Of God and in honor of those of Lauderdale County who patriotically answered the call of our country to uphold justice and the rights of humanity and in loving remembrance of those who therein made the supreme sacrifice The American Legion T. C. Carter Jr. Post 21 Meridian, Mississippi erected the monument on November 11, 1927.