Fulton Log House

Courtesy of Lee Paxton
14 November 2009

Location:
McLaughlin Run Rd, Upper St Clair, PA 15241

Description:

The Fulton Log House, located in Upper St. Clair Township, Pennsylvania, dates back to circa 1830. This historic log house was officially recognized for its architectural and cultural significance when it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 6, 1975.

The roots of the Fulton Log House trace back to Alexander Gilfillan, who settled in Upper St. Clair Township in the late 1760s and eventually acquired 413 acres of land. Around 1830, either Alexander or his son, John, constructed several houses for their workers, among them four or five log houses. Remarkably, only one of these log houses has endured to the present day. This particular house remained within the Gilfillan Family until 1899, after which it passed into the ownership of James E. and Emily Fulton in 1923. The Fultons utilized the house as a summer residence, and their son, James Grove Fulton, a lifelong bachelor, served in the U.S. Congress from 1945 to 1971. Upon his passing, the estate sold the house to Upper St. Clair Township in 1972.

In an effort to preserve its historical significance, the 1830 Log House Association undertook the restoration of the Fulton Log House, repurposing it for educational endeavors. Today, the house serves as a valuable resource for educational purposes, offering insights into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.