Authentic World War II Era Boat On Display In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—A new exhibit at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria lets you step aboard a piece of World War II history. The office is displaying an authentic Higgins Boat to honor Andrew Higgins’ induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame this year and to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

The Higgins boat was type of boat used to land American troops on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. The boats were also helped the U.S. Army enter Germany in March 1945 and were used in North Africa, Italy and across the Pacific in World War II.

More than 23,000 of the Higgins Boats were made for the U.S. military. The Higgins Boat was able to float in three feet of water and could carry 8,100 pounds, which equates to 36 combat-equipped infantrymen, 12 troops and a jeep.

The Higgins Boat exhibit lets visitors come aboard. Flags are available for visitors to place on the ground to honor a veteran. The exhibit is free and open Monday to Saturday through July 27. It is sponsored by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and National Inventors Hall of Fame.