Each project travels through 4 phases:

1) Discovery.

Combining feedback from the public, collaboration from a diverse list of cultures, and thoroughly researched input from historians, we identify places that need development , historical narratives that need to be accurately told, or public awareness that needs to be raised within the Northern Plains. This is where projects gain their mission.

2) Planning.

Building things takes time and resources, whether it is a giant building or a properly developed historical interpretation program. This phase is where capital campaigns are executed, sites are acquired, licenses and permits are granted, and finally the actual design of the facility itself transforms from intangible ideas to architectural blueprints. This is where projects gain their vision.

3) Construction.

The construction phase is where the projects become “real”, heavy equipment roars to life, and the site comes alive with the folks who help us transform the drawing into tangible buildings or events. This is where projects gain their identity.

4) Execution.

The execution phase is where projects begin educating and entertaining the public. Information that once only existed in texts begins the all-important process of transfer exponentially increasing audiences. Arguably the most important phase, this is when collective knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the Northern Plains gains momentum and strength. This is where the project gains its values.

Timeline of Major Projects

  • 1982: FALF is founded. Mission is established, committees are formed, tasks are delegated. A vision of Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park complete with replica buildings comes into focus.

  • 1983-1988: Campaigning, Partnering, Constructing; this period was marked by innumerable meetings with congressional, municipal, and local business leaders, building towards a vision of far more than foundation markers at Fort Lincoln State Park

  • 1989: Completion of 1st major project; The construction of The Commanding Officer's Quarters (aka "The Custer House") at Fort Lincoln State Park.

  • 1991: Completion of 2nd major project; The Commissary at Fort Lincoln State Park

  • 1992: Completion of construction on 3rd major project: The Granary at Fort Lincoln State Park.

  • 1993: Completion of construction on 4th major project: The Infantry Barracks at Fort Lincoln State Park.

  • 1994: Completion of 5th major project: Interpretive program at On-A-Slant Village at Fort Lincoln State Park.

  • 1995: Completion of 6th major project: acquisition of The Five Nations Art Gallery from The ND Indian Arts Association.

  • 2004: Proudly hosted “Circle of Cultures: Time of Renewal and Exchange” - Bismarck, North Dakota; 22-31 October 2005: Held on the University of Mary campus, this event highlighted the welcome that the L&C Expedition received from the indigineous peoples of the Upper Missouri

  • 2005: Completion of 7th major project: The construction of the Cavalry Stable at Fort Lincoln State Park

  • 2006: Completion of 8th major project: Construction of Earth lodge #6 at On-A-Slant Village at Fort Lincoln State Park

  • 2008: Completion of 9th major project: The acquisition of The Lewis & Clark Riverboat.

  • 2009: Completion of 10th major project: Driving bi-partisan support for Northern Plains National Heritage Area established as section 8004 of UPublic Law 111-11, elevating city, county, state, Federal and non-profit public heritage sites and the Missouri River in central North Dakota to a national profile.

  • 2012: Foundation declares mission complete at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, executes donation of all installed infrastructure to the State of North Dakota at an established value of $300,000.

  • 2015: Retaining its name from years of previous effort, The Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation announces the hiring of a new Executive Director and embarks on Heritage River Landing capital campaign.

  • 2016: Completion of 11th major project: The completion of Phase 1 of the Capital Campaign to build The Heritage River Landing, which will serve as the new headquarters for The Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation.

  • 2017: The Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation and The Northern Plains Heritage Foundation announce the establishment of The Missouri Valley Heritage Alliance.

  • 2018: The Missouri Valley Heritage Alliance breaks ground to begin construction of The Landing.

  • 2022: Completion of 12th major project: The grand opening of Heritage River Landing, Headquarters for The Northern Plains Heritage Alliance.

  • The Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation receives unanimous support from The Bismarck City Commission in the form of a conditional land grant to convert Grant Marsh Park into a multi-use public facility under the project name The Missouri Riverfront Revitalization Project. The North Dakota Department of Commerce names The Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation and its effort to revitalize the riverfront as recipients of their statewide initiative to support projects that grow and expand tourism offering in North Dakota.