Andrew Jackson Higgins
(1886-1952)
Andrew Jackson Higgins, designer and manufacturer of World War II landing craft known s "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 parent 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 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 boasts were also used in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
Higggins 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
the war for us." In 2000 the National D-Day Museum opened in New Orleans, honoring Higgins and the city for their vita contributions to the war effort.