Robert Fulton Birthplace

The Robert Fulton Birthplace is a stone house in Lancaster County with three bays and a four-light transom window at the entrance. The ground floor holds a parlor, kitchen, and bedroom that reflect how domestic space was organized in that era.

A fire destroyed the original structure in 1822, after which it was completely rebuilt on the same site. The reconstruction preserved the legacy of where the future inventor of the first commercially successful steamboat spent his early years.

The house reflects rural Pennsylvania life in the 18th century and how families of modest means organized their homes. The simple rooms and basic furnishings show how daily life unfolded for a household that would produce a notable inventor.

The site is open only on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is managed by the Southern Lancaster Historical Society. Plan your visit ahead of time since access is limited to these seasonal months and guided tours are offered during these hours.

The house was built using mortared rubblestone construction, a building method typical of rural homes in the region during that period. This traditional technique represents local craftsmanship from an era when such methods were standard practice.

Location: Pennsylvania

GPS coordinates: 39.80472,-76.16028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:02