Columbus in Platte County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Andrew Jackson Higgins
(1886-1952)
Photographed by Michael James, May 30, 2008
1. Andrew Jackson Higgins Marker
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
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Location. 41° 25.126′ N, 97° 22.107′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Nebraska, in Platte County. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Nebraska and in the Platte River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and on the prairies. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
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. Ό mile away); United Methodist Church Bell (approx. Ό mile away); St. Michael's Catholic Church Bell (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named United Methodist Church Bell (approx. Ό mile away); Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bell (approx. Ό mile away); St. Mary's Catholic Church Bell (approx. Ό mile away); North Branch, Oregon Trail (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
More about this marker. Marker
Photographed by Michael James, May 30, 2008
2. Statue of Andrew Jackson Higgins
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.)
Photographed by Michael James, May 30, 2008
3. Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial Park
A life-sized steel replica of an LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel), better known as a Higgins boat, is the focal point of this memorial. These boats carried American soldiers ashore during World War II, the Korean, and Vietnam War. Three life-size bronze soldiers, representing each of these wars, are seen emerging from the boat. A complete history of each one is included at the memorial.
Photographed by Michael James, May 30, 2008
4. Sculpture at the Higgins Memorial
Steel from the World Trade Center is included in this sculpture. Perched on a 30-foot steel beam, a 400 pound bronze eagle symbolizing freedom, created by artist Fred Hoppe, spreads his 7-foot wings as he circles the memorial.
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 3,825 times since then and 61 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.
