the house in which robert fulton was born was probably built in the mid-18th century. he was born here in 1765, but the family moved soon thereafter to lancaster. the house was reduced to rubble by a fire in 1822, and was completely rebuilt. it remained a private residence until it was acquired by the state in 1969. it was then given a complete restoration to return it to its original appearance at the time of fulton's birth, and has been open as a museum property since.