Robert Fulton Birthplace facts for kids

Robert Fulton Birthplace
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Location in Pennsylvania Show map of Pennsylvania Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	1932 Robert Fulton Hwy, south of Quarryville, Pennsylvania
Area	1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built	1765
NRHP reference No.	66000670
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Added to NRHP	October 15, 1966
Designated NHL	January 29, 1964

The Robert Fulton Birthplace is a historic house museum located south of Quarryville, Pennsylvania. This special house, found at 1932 Robert Fulton Highway, is where the famous inventor Robert Fulton was born in 1765.

Fulton is most famous for creating successful steamboats. These boats changed how people traveled and moved goods in the early 1800s. The house itself was built in the mid-1700s. After a fire destroyed it in 1822, it was rebuilt. Because of its importance, the house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Today, the Southern Lancaster Historical Society owns the property. They offer tours on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Discovering Robert Fulton's Birthplace

This historic home is about 7 miles (11 km) south of Quarryville. It sits in the countryside of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The house is a two-and-a-half-story building made of stone. It used to have a stucco covering on the outside.

The front of the house has three sections. The main door is on the right side, set back a little. Inside, the ground floor has a living room, kitchen, and a bedroom. Upstairs, there are three more bedrooms, including some in the attic.

The House's Early Years and Rebuilding

The original house where Robert Fulton was born was likely built in the mid-1700s. Robert Fulton was born here in 1765. However, his family moved to Lancaster not long after his birth.

Sadly, a fire completely destroyed the house in 1822. But it was fully rebuilt afterward. The house remained a private home for many years. In 1969, the state bought the property. It was then carefully restored to look like it did when Fulton was born. Since then, it has been open as a museum for everyone to visit.

Robert Fulton's Amazing Inventions

Robert Fulton was a brilliant inventor. His most famous invention was the North River Steamboat, also known as the "Clermont." This steamboat launched in 1807. It completely changed transportation in America during the early 1800s.

But steamboats were not his only important idea! Fulton also invented special equipment to dig out rivers and canals. He created a system of ramps to move canal barges over hills. He even developed early versions of torpedoes and diving boats. His work truly helped shape the future of travel and engineering.

Images for kids

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  The Robert Fulton Birthplace

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  Another view of the historic home

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  The front of the Robert Fulton Birthplace

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  A closer look at the birthplace

See also

• List of National Historic Landmarks in Pennsylvania
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania