Andrew Jackson HIGGINS MEMORIAL

Andrew Jackson Higgins was born in Columbus, Nebraska. Andrew’s father John came to Columbus in 1870 to spend a couple days interviewing famous Indian scout Major Frank North. John was so taken by the town that he convinced his wife Annie to give up their dream of California and settle in Columbus, where Andrew was born in 1886.

Higgin’s experience with the shallow rivers in the Columbus area gave him a vision for a shallow-draft boat that changed the course of history. Founder and President of Higgins Industries in New Orleans, Higgins rose to international prominence during World War II for his design and mass production of “Higgins Boats.” These craft gave the military the ability to transport men and equipment safely to beaches during amphibious landings in the war. General Dwight Eisenhower called Higgins “the man who won the war for us...if Higgins had not designed and built those LCVP’s, we never could have landed over an open beach. The whole strategy of the war would have been different.” Higgins Industries produced 20,094 boats during WW II.

The Higgins Memorial in Columbus began as a class research project for the Columbus High School classes taught by Jerry Meyer. He and his students became so taken with the story of Higgins and the opportunity to honor a native son that a research project became a community memorial. Through numerous partnerships with volunteers and businesses a stunning memorial has been created, honoring Higgins and all veterans.

The memorial includes a full-size replica of the famous Higgins Boat. Running from the boat are sculptures by internationally renowned artist Fred Hoppe, depicting a soldier from each of the three wars in which Higgins Boats served. Around the boat are sand samples from landing beaches across the globe where Higgins Boats carried soldiers ashore.

After 9/11, the Memorial was expanded to honor those who lost their lives on that fateful day and those who continue the fight against terrorism. A large bronze eagle sculpted by Fred Hoppe sits atop a steel sculpture made from steel taken from the fallen World Trade Center towers.

The Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial stands as a tribute to a Columbus native son who changed history...to veterans of all eras who have served and sacrificed...to the ongoing fight against the evil of terrorism...and also to the power of engaged young people to impact their community.