Columbus in Platte County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Andrew Jackson Higgins
(1886-1952)
Andrew Jackson Higgins, designer and manufacturer of World War II landing craft known as "Higgins boats," was born August 28, 1886, at Columbus, Nebraska. His parents were John Gonegle Higgins, a prominent lawyer and judge, and Annie Long O'Connor Higgins. Both parents are buried in Columbus. Higgins attended schools in Omaha and served in the Nebraska National Guard. In 1906 he moved to the South, entering the lumber and shipping business.
Higgins's expertise would win him fame in World War II, when Higgins Industries of New Orleans produced more than 20,000 boats. Many were LCVPs (Landing Craft Vehicle, Personnel), a key to the success of Allied amphibious invasions, including D-Day on June 6, 1944. Higgins boats were also used in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
Higgins died on August 1, 1952, and is buried at Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans. In 1964 Dwight D. Eisenhower said Higgins was "the man who won the war for us." In 2000 the National D-Day Museum opened in New Orleans, honoring Higgins and the city for their vital contributions to the war effort.
Erected by Columbus High School Students and Staff, Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 424.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower, and the Nebraska State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1856.
Location. 41° 25.126′ N, 97° 22.107′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Nebraska, in Platte County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 30, 0.3 miles south of 6th St, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located inside Pawnee Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus NE 68601, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. In Memory of Veterans (approx. 0.2 miles away); Korean War Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); United Methodist Church Bell (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Michael's Catholic Church Bell (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named United Methodist Church Bell (approx. ¼ mile away); Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bell (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Mary's Catholic Church Bell (approx. ¼ mile away); North Branch, Oregon Trail (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
More about this marker. Marker is part of a larger area dedicated to Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Higgins boat including a replica Higgins boat and a statue of the man. The Memorial itself originated as a service-learning project by students at Columbus High School.
Also see . . .
1. Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial. Website homepage (Submitted on August 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
2. The Higgins Boat: A Forgotten World War II Hero. The National Interest website entry (Submitted on August 16, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2008, by Michael James of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. This page has been viewed 3,248 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 1, 2008, by Michael James of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.