Robert Fulton Birthplace facts for kids
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Robert Fulton Birthplace
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1932 Robert Fulton Hwy, south of Quarryville, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1765 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000670 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | January 29, 1964 |
The Robert Fulton Birthplace is a special historic house museum located at 1932 Robert Fulton Highway in Pennsylvania. This old stone house, south of Quarryville, Pennsylvania, is where the famous inventor Robert Fulton was born in 1765. He is most well-known for creating the first successful steamboats, which changed travel forever!
The house was built in the mid-1700s. After a fire damaged it in 1822, it was rebuilt. In 1964, it was recognized as a National Historic Landmark because of its importance. Today, the Southern Lancaster Historical Society owns the property. They offer tours of the house on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so you can visit and learn about Robert Fulton's early life.
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Discovering Robert Fulton's Home
The Robert Fulton Birthplace is found about 7 miles (11 km) south of Quarryville. It sits in a quiet, country area of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The house is a two-and-a-half story building made of stone. It used to have a smooth stucco finish on the outside.
What the House Looks Like
The front of the house has three sections. The main door is on the right side, set back a little. Above the door, there's a small window with four glass panes. To the left of the door, there are two more windows. On the second floor, there are two windows right above the ones downstairs.
Inside, the first floor has a living room, a kitchen, and a bedroom. Upstairs, on the second floor and in the attic, you'll find three more bedrooms. It's a great way to imagine what life was like when Robert Fulton was a child!
A Look Back at the House's History
The original house where Robert Fulton was born in 1765 was likely built in the mid-1700s. However, his family moved to Lancaster not long after he was born. Sadly, a fire destroyed the house in 1822, leaving it in ruins. But don't worry, it was completely rebuilt!
The house remained a private home for many years. Then, in 1969, the state of Pennsylvania bought it. They worked hard to restore the house, making it look just like it did when Robert Fulton was born. Since then, it has been open to the public as a museum.
Robert Fulton: The Steamboat Pioneer
Robert Fulton's most famous invention was his successful steamboat, the North River Steamboat, also known as the "Clermont". He launched it in 1807, and it completely changed how people traveled in early 19th-century America. Imagine a world where boats relied only on wind or oars, and then suddenly, a boat could move by itself using steam power! This was a huge step forward for transportation.
More of Fulton's Amazing Inventions
But the steamboat wasn't Robert Fulton's only cool idea! He was a true inventor with many clever creations. For example, he designed special equipment to dig out rivers and canals, making them easier to use. He also came up with a system of ramps to move canal boats over hills, which was very smart. And believe it or not, he even developed early versions of torpedoes and diving boats! Robert Fulton was truly a visionary who helped shape the future of travel and technology.
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