Robert Fulton is remembered chiefly for having built the steamboat Clermont, which in 1807 successfully navigated the trip up the Hudson River in New York against winds and strong currents. The versatile Robert Fulton was also accomplished in other fields and was known internationally for his inventions. Visitors can learn about Fulton's life and inventions at this homestead/museum in his honor. It is not usually known that the great inventor started his career as an artist and that his miniature portraits are reputed to be among the finest produced in this country.
Robert Fulton was born in Little Britain Township, Lancaster County on November 14, 1765, in a little stone tavern, situated in the rolling hills of the Conowingo countryside, not far from the Maryland border. In later years the section in which he was born became Fulton Township, named in honor of him. The house is located on U. S. Route 222 (Robert Fulton Highway) and Swift Road, 6 miles south of Quarryville, Pennsylvania. It is furnished in the Colonial style of the 18th century. The Birthplace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#66000670). There are 5 buildings on the property including a tobacco warehouse which is now the headquarters of the Southern Lancaster County Historical Society (a/k/a Solanco Historical Society), which owns and operates the Birthplace. A statue of Robert Fulton was placed in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C. as a gift from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1889.
Docent volunteers welcome visitors for tours of the Birthplace each summer weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Current hours are from 1 to 5 p.m. each Sunday afternoon. Group tours can be arranged year-round by telephone at
717-548-2679. Visit the Society's website at
solancohistoricalsocy.org for more information. Fee for tours of the Birthplace is $5 per adult, $3 per youth 6 -18 (or 2 for $5) and 5 and under free. Restrooms are available onsite during open hours.
Picnic tables (2) are available. Meals are available in surrounding towns; Quarryville and Lancaster have restaurants open on Sundays.
