When Kentuckian Rod Smothers got involved in living history in 1999, he often wondered why Louisville did not commemorate its founding.  The event was part of a renowned military campaign on the western frontier during the American Revolutionary War.  This campaign was led by one of the boldest young commanders ever to wear an American uniform and it helped to double the size of the colonies at the conclusion of the war.  Establishing Louisville, now the 16th largest city in the US, was not George Rogers Clark's primary goal but he is credited as founding father and his exploits are inextricably woven into the very fabric of our nation's history.  His death in Louisville at Locust Grove, the home of his sister Lucy Croghan, further bound him to the city he founded.

So, believing that Louisville should recognize it's beginnings, Smothers called together a group of living historians, Louisville Metro Government and State representatives to discuss the formation of a non-profit corporation whose purpose would be to host a reenactment of those fateful events of 1778.  The group met on February 16, 2005 at Locust Grove.  All present agreed that the plan had merit and work began to make it reality.  Randall Gibson, a respected attorney with Stoll Keenon Ogden helped with establishing non-profit status.  Lance Minnis, a Registered Securities Representative with Louisville firm Commonwealth Financial Advisors and knowledgeable living history reenactor, agreed to serve as President of the newly formed FALLS LANDING FOUNDATION, INC.

The FLF, approached Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Foundation with the concept of a commemorative re-enactment to be held at the 300-acre Metro Park.  The park with two miles of natural Ohio River shoreline seemed the best location for a re-enactment of Clark's landing at Corn Island.  The scope of the event was expanded to include Louisville's history up through 1865 because Riverside is the site of a Civil War era home.  Metro Parks agreed to the arrangement and work commenced to organize what was called "100 Years at the Falls of the Ohio".  That event was held June 9-10, 2007 and was considered a great success in terms of the speakers, programs, and events. 

In early 2008, the Falls Landing Foundation, Inc. sought the support of Louisville Metro Council in officially recognizing May 27 as FALLS LANDING DAY in the city.  FLF board members Brian Cushing and Rod Smothers appeared at the Council meeting June 12, 2008 to accept the proclamation which had been championed by 14th District Councilman Robert Henderson.  The FLF hopes that May 27 will become a day honored throughout the city as a remembrance of our founding.  We further intend that this day serve as a focal point of all the historical, preservation, and genealogical societies in the city so that we encourage wide interest in our common heritage.