andrew jackson higgins national memorial

Beautiful, sleek, and educational. Truly something worth checking out for any American loving patriot or interested individual. Access and location is questionable, especially if you are not familiar with the town. If so, you might 1) miss seeing it because it is down in a valley by the river or 2) find it difficult to access via winding roads and unmarked areas.

It is very nicely done, and worth a stop in Columbus to see it. It is located in a park so that families traveling could make a rest stop and let their children blow off some steam on the swings, etc.

This memorial was put together by local high school students to honor the builder of the Higgins boats...the landing craft used in WWII. The memorial was well thought out, clearly supported by the community--as evidenced by all the bronze plaques from local banks and businesses proclaiming their sponsorship of various sculptures in the park. Sadly, the bronze sculpture of Higgins himself was covered in bird doo--thus it didn’t photograph well. We were pleasantly surprised with the sculpture dedicated to the World Trade Center. It’s worth the 15-30 minute stop when traveling by on Highway 81 to learn a little bit of the history of one of the most important boats in WWII. Plus, it's possible to actually walk into one of the boats and see what it is like inside.

just moving to see. the details on the soldiers was real like. sculture with pieces from 9/11, very moving

Nicely done. Good place for kids and pets. Someone planned this little park like setting very well and spent their money wisely.

Andrew Jackson Higgins who designed the amphibious craft was born in Columbus. The vessels are seen at the beginning of Saving Private Ryan as the troops landed at D-day.The memorial is comprised of a statue of Mr. Higgins, the craft replica itself and statues of soldiers from WWII, Korea and Vietnam surrounded by walls and walls of memorial bricks honoring local veterans. It also features a state flag from each of the 50 states.

Designed and built by students and townspeople of Columbus, NE, this is a wonderful memorial to native son, Andrew Jackson Higgins (1886-1952). He designed and built the landing craft of World War II (LCVP's called "Higgins Boats") that bear his name. His craft were made in New Orleans. Main reason for the National World War II Museum is located in New Orleans is because of Mr. Higgins. The city of Columbus created a very fine memorial. It includes an all steel replica of a Higgins Boat with three soldiers coming out (one from WWII, Korea and Vietnam), statue of Mr. Higgins, sand samples from all the beaches they landed on, flags from all the states/territories, World Trade Center Freedom Memorial (including 7 tons of WTC steel), memorial plaques and bricks. Very easy to get off of Highway 81/30 next to the Loup River in West Pawnee Park. Open year round. Well maintained. Free