Riverside, The Farnsley–Moremen Landing facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Farnsley–Moremen House
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Farnsley–Moremen house
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Louisville, Kentucky |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | c. 1838 |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003117 |
| Added to NRHP | April 20, 1979 |
Riverside, The Farnsley–Moremen Landing is a historic farm and house in south Louisville, Kentucky. It sits right by the Ohio River. The main house is made of red brick and was built around 1838 by Gabriel Farnsley. It has a tall, two-story front porch in the Greek Revival style.
This special house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it is an important place in history that should be protected.
After Gabriel Farnsley died in 1849, his family had a long legal fight over who would own the house. Finally, in 1862, the Moremen family took over. Alanson and Rachel Stith Moremen made the farm much bigger. It became one of the largest farms in Jefferson County before it was split up among their children in the 1880s.
From about 1820 to 1890, this property was a busy spot for river travel. Boats could stop here to trade goods or pick up wood for their engines. The Moremen family called their stop "Soap Landing." They sold things like lye soap and other farm products there. A ferry also carried people and goods across the river to Indiana.
Like many buildings along the Ohio River, the house was damaged by a huge flood in 1937. It was left unrepaired for many years after that.
The Moremen family owned the property until 1988. Then, Jefferson County bought it. They wanted to fix it up and save it. On October 10, 1993, the newly restored house opened to the public. Today, there is also a visitors center on the property. It has a theater, museum exhibits, and a gift shop.
Contents
A Look at Riverside's Past Residents
Early People: Native Americans (10,000 B.C. – 1700 A.D.)
Long, long ago, Native American hunters and gatherers lived in the Ohio Valley. Some of these groups might have camped or hunted near where Riverside is today. Around 6,000 B.C., they started setting up base camps. They used the river's many resources like mussels, fish, plants, and animals.
Later, from about 1,000 to 500 A.D., these groups began to stay in one place longer. They started farming, growing plants like corn. During this time, they also began using pottery and the bow and arrow.
Archaeologists have found many clues about these early people. They found stone tools, pottery, fire pits, and even signs of old houses. A very old cemetery was also found on the property. This shows that people lived and died here for thousands of years.
These Native American groups met the first European explorers and settlers. They traded with each other. By the early 1800s, most Native American people had left what is now Kentucky.
First European Settler: Ebenezer Christopher (1822–1826)
Ebenezer Christopher was the first European owner of the land that is now Riverside. In 1822, he bought 200 acres of land for $2,000. This land was about 13 miles southwest of Louisville, right on the Ohio River. Ebenezer, his wife Polly, and their six children were already living on the farm when he bought it.
Ebenezer owned the property for only four years. He farmed until he died in 1826. He owed money when he died, so the bank took over his farm.
Gabriel Farnsley's Time (1828–1849)
After Ebenezer Christopher died, the Riverside land was sold at a public auction. Joseph Reed bought it first, but only kept it for a few months. Then, in 1828, Gabriel Farnsley and his business partner Ebenezer Williams bought it. By 1831, Farnsley bought out Williams' share and became the only owner.
Building the Brick House (around 1838)
Gabriel Farnsley started paying more taxes between 1837 and 1839. This suggests that his impressive brick house was built around this time. We know Farnsley was involved in building it because a brick with his name carved into it was found during later repairs.
People believe Farnsley built the house as a wedding gift for his future wife. But, sadly, she never married him. Gabriel Farnsley never married or had children.
The End of the Farnsley Era (1849)
Gabriel Farnsley died in June 1849. He did not leave a will. Most of his property was sold at auction in 1850. But it took almost 12 years to sort out who would get the rest of his estate. His brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews all went to court to fight over it.
The Moremen Family Arrives (1860–1930s)
By 1860, the long court battle over Farnsley's estate was over. The Moremen family then moved to the farm. Alanson and Rachel Moremen came from Brandenburg, Kentucky, with their seven children. They rented the house for two years. In 1862, they bought the house and 200 acres of land for $15,000. The Moremen family would own this farm for over 125 years!
A Thriving Farm (1870)
By 1870, Alanson and Rachel Moremen had a very successful farm. They owned 1,000 acres of land. They had many animals, including horses, mules, cows, sheep, and pigs. They grew lots of different crops like wheat, corn, oats, and potatoes. They also made products like wine, butter, and honey. Their farm products were worth $19,000 in 1870.
The Next Generation: Israel and Nannie Moremen (1886)
In 1886, the farm went to the next generation of Moremens. Israel Putnam Moremen, the youngest of Alanson and Rachel's children, and his wife Nannie Storts Moremen, received the house and 200 acres. Israel's family continued to farm. They raised chickens and pigs, and had a dairy. They grew apples, pears, corn, beans, and other crops. Israel also worked as the Post Master for Valley Station for eight years.
Changes by the River (1890s-1930s)
The riverboat landing on the farm was still used into the early 1900s. But then, trains, streetcars, and cars became more popular. People started using the river less for travel. The Moremen family even began using what was once the "Grand Entrance" facing the river as a back door! Still, the river was important to the family. They had picnics, family gatherings, and went swimming there.
The Great Flood (1937)
In 1937, the farm faced the mighty power of the river. After many days of rain, Jefferson County had the worst flood ever recorded. Israel Moremen, who was a widower, was living in the house with his daughter Marjorie Collett and her family. About six feet of muddy Ohio River water came into the house. This was the only time the house was flooded. Luckily, the family was able to move most of their belongings upstairs to keep them safe.
Images for kids
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The back of the Farnsley–Moreman house in the evening.
