Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. It borders Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Ontario (Canada), New York, and New Jersey. The state's largest city is Philadelphia, and its capital is Harrisburg. Pennsylvania is the fifth-most populous state in the country.

The state was founded in 1681 through a land grant to William Penn. It was known for its religious and political tolerance and played a key role in the American Revolution. Philadelphia hosted important meetings and was where the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

The Battle of Gettysburg took place in Pennsylvania. In the late 19th and 20th centuries, the state's steel and manufacturing industries helped build much of the nation's early infrastructure. Today, Pennsylvania is known for its contributions to medical research. The state's geography is diverse, featuring the Appalachian Mountains and extensive forests, with waterfront along Lake Erie and the Delaware River.

History

Main article: History of Pennsylvania

See also: List of Pennsylvania firsts and List of people from Pennsylvania

Indigenous settlement

Pennsylvania has had people living there for thousands of years, long before it became a colony in 1681. Archaeologists think the first people came to the settlement of the Americas at least 15,000 years ago. Native Americans came to North America between 10,000 and 16,000 years ago. Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Jefferson Township shows signs of people living there over 10,000 years ago. By 1000 AD, the people there grew crops and had a mixed food economy.

When European colonization of the Americas began, two big Native American tribes lived in Pennsylvania. The Lenape lived in the east and spoke an Algonquian language. The Susquehannock lived along the Susquehanna River and spoke an Iroquoian language. Diseases from Europe and conflicts made these groups weaker.

17th century

Main article: Province of Pennsylvania

In the 1600s, the Dutch and the English both wanted land along the Delaware River. The Dutch were first, settling the Delmarva Peninsula in 1631. Later, New Sweden Colony was near present-day Wilmington, Delaware. In 1664, King Charles II of England gave land to James, Duke of York, which included parts of today’s Pennsylvania. The British took control in 1664 after capturing New Amsterdam.

In 1681, King Charles II gave a large land grant to Quaker leader William Penn to pay back a debt. Penn named the land Pennsylvania (“Penn’s Woods”) for his father. Penn started a government with two new ideas: the county commission and freedom of religion, which were later used in many of the Thirteen Colonies.

18th century

See also: Pennsylvania in the American Revolution

Further information: George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River, Philadelphia campaign, and [Constitutional Convention (United States)](/wiki/Constitutional_Convention_(United_States)

Between 1730 and 1764, Pennsylvania made its own paper money called Colonial Scrip because there wasn’t enough gold and silver. This paper money was accepted because the government said it was okay.

In 1740, Benjamin Franklin started the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, the first college in the state. Today, it is an Ivy League university.

When leaders met in Philadelphia in 1774, 12 colonies sent people to the First Continental Congress. The Second Continental Congress began in 1775 and signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. The Constitution was written and signed at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, now called Independence Hall.

On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania was the second state to agree to the U.S. Constitution. At that time, many people there spoke German.

19th century

See also: Pennsylvania in the American Civil War, Battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg Address, and Industrial Revolution in the United States

The Pennsylvania General Assembly met in Harrisburg after moving there in 1821. James Buchanan, from Franklin County, was the 15th U.S. president from 1857 to 1861.

From July 1 to 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg happened near Gettysburg. It was a big and important battle of the American Civil War for the Union. Later, Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address at Gettysburg National Cemetery.

In the late 1800s, Pennsylvania became a center for industry, especially steel and oil. Companies like Carnegie Steel Company and Bethlehem Steel grew big. Coal mining was also important. New companies like The Hershey Company and Heinz Company started then.

20th century

At the start of the 20th century, Pennsylvania’s economy was based on steel, coal mining, and manufacturing. Many people from Southern and Eastern Europe came to work in these jobs.

During World War II, Pennsylvania made a lot of military equipment. Many Pennsylvanians served in the armed forces.

On March 28, 1979, the Three Mile Island accident happened, which was the most serious nuclear accident in U.S. history.

After 1990, Pennsylvania focused more on service jobs like healthcare and technology. Cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia became centers for these new industries.

21st century

Further information: United Airlines Flight 93

During the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania after passengers fought back against the hijackers. The plane did not reach its planned target.

Since the start of the 21st century, Pennsylvania has become known for its work in treating cancers with new medical treatments.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Pennsylvania

Further information: List of counties in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state in the eastern United States. It is about 170 miles long from north to south and 283 miles wide from east to west. The state has many rivers and streams, more than any other state.

Pennsylvania does not touch the Atlantic Ocean, unlike some other states from the early United States. The land in Pennsylvania includes mountains, hills, and flat areas. The state has cold winters and warm, humid summers. Some places near Lake Erie can get a lot of snow.

Big cities in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown. Pennsylvania borders New York to the north, New Jersey to the east, Delaware to the southeast, Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, and Ontario, a Canadian province, to the northwest, across Lake Erie.

Demographics

Further information: List of people from Pennsylvania

As of the 2020 U.S. census, Pennsylvania had a population of 13 million. This makes Pennsylvania the fifth-most populated state in the U.S., after California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

Most people in Pennsylvania were born in the state. Many others were born in different U.S. states, Puerto Rico, or other countries. The largest ancestry groups in Pennsylvania include German, Irish, Italian, African Americans, English, Polish, and French. Some people speak languages other than English at home, including Spanish, German, and Chinese.

Pennsylvania has many different communities. There are large groups of people with roots in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The state also has notable Amish communities and other groups that keep their cultural traditions.

Economy

See also: List of Pennsylvania counties by per capita income

Pennsylvania has a strong economy. As of 2024, its economy was worth $1.017 trillion, making it the sixth-largest in the United States. If Pennsylvania were its own country, its economy would be among the largest in the world. The state has many jobs and businesses, mostly small ones.

Pennsylvania has important places for making things, like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, and the Lehigh Valley. The state is known for helping develop medicines, especially for fighting cancers. Many big companies have offices in Pennsylvania, including Cencora, Comcast, U.S. Steel, PPG Industries, Heinz, and The Hershey Company. The state is also a leader in making beer, growing farmers' markets, processing food, producing lumber, growing mushrooms, making natural gas, creating potato chips, and making pretzels.

Agriculture

Main article: Agriculture in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania grows many important foods, such as mushrooms, apples, Christmas trees, chickens, and grapes for juice. It is also a top place for making wine. The state supports local farms and food products through a program called "PA Preferred."

Banking

The first bank in the United States started in Pennsylvania in 1781 in Philadelphia. Today, PNC in Pittsburgh is one of the largest banks in the country.

Film

See also: Harrisburg in film and television, List of films and television shows shot in Pennsylvania, List of films shot in the Lehigh Valley, and List of films shot in Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania began supporting movie making in 2004, which helped grow its film industry.

Gambling

Main article: Gambling in Pennsylvania

See also: List of casinos in Pennsylvania

Casino gambling became legal in Pennsylvania in 2004, and today there are 17 casinos in the state.

Mining

Coal mining in Pennsylvania began in the mid-1700s. Over time, many mines were left unused, causing problems for the environment. The state works to fix these issues.

Healthcare

See also: List of hospitals in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has many hospitals, including 52 places that can help people with serious injuries. Highmark is a big health insurance company in most of the state, while other companies also provide insurance.

State government

Main article: Government of Pennsylvania

See also: Commonwealth (U.S. state)

Pennsylvania has had five constitutions as a state. The capital is Harrisburg, where the legislature meets in the State Capitol.

In a 2020 study, Pennsylvania was ranked as the 19th-hardest state for citizens to vote.

Executive

Further information: List of governors of Pennsylvania and List of Pennsylvania state agencies

The current Governor is Josh Shapiro. Other elected officials include the Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Attorney General Dave Sunday, Auditor General Timothy DeFoor, and Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor run together every four years. Elections for Attorney General, Auditor General, and Treasurer happen every four years during Presidential elections.

Legislative

Pennsylvania has a bicameral legislature called the General Assembly. It includes 50 senators and 203 representatives. As of 2025, the Republicans control the State Senate, while the Democrats control the State House. Pennsylvania is one of four states with divided party control of its state legislature.

Judiciary

Main article: Judiciary of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is divided into 60 judicial districts. Most cases start in the Courts of Common Pleas. The Superior Court handles appeals from these courts. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the highest court in the state. All judges in Pennsylvania are elected.

Local government

Main article: Local government in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is divided into 67 counties. These counties are divided into cities, boroughs, or townships. The most populous county is Philadelphia County, which includes the city of Philadelphia. The smallest county is Cameron. There are many types of local governments, each with its own way of governing.

Taxation

Pennsylvania collects many types of taxes, including sales taxes, personal income taxes, and taxes on motor vehicles, cigarettes, and alcoholic beverages. Counties, municipalities, and school districts also levy taxes on real estate and sometimes on personal income. Philadelphia has its own special tax system. The tax system can be complicated.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Pennsylvania

See also: Elections in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is an important state in U.S. presidential elections. Winning Pennsylvania has been very important for candidates. Between 1992 and 2012, Pennsylvania usually voted for Democratic candidates. In 2016, a Republican candidate won the state. In 2020, the state voted for a Democratic candidate again, and in 2024, it voted for a Republican candidate. The state has 19 electoral votes.

Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh usually vote Democratic, while more rural areas often vote Republican. This mix makes Pennsylvania interesting to watch during elections.

Education

Main article: Education in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has many schools and colleges. Children must go to school until they are 17 or finish high school, whichever comes first. Most young people in Pennsylvania finish high school, and many go to college. The state has over 500 public school districts, many private schools, and more than 100 colleges and universities.

Pennsylvania is known for its strong education system. It has many top colleges and universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, which is part of the Ivy League. The state also has special schools for medicine, art, and pharmacy that were some of the first in the United States. Whether students want to study science, art, or medicine, Pennsylvania offers many opportunities to learn.

See also: List of high schools in Pennsylvania and List of school districts in Pennsylvania

See also: List of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania

Recreation

See also: Gambling in Pennsylvania, List of festivals in Pennsylvania, and List of Pennsylvania state parks

Pennsylvania is a fun place to visit and learn. It has the nation's first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo. Other great zoos are the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Lehigh Valley Zoo, and ZooAmerica.

The state has many famous museums, like the Allentown Art Museum, Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. One special museum is the Houdini Museum in Scranton, which is about a famous magician. Pennsylvania is also home to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.

The state has many beautiful parks where you can enjoy nature. There are also fun amusement parks like Hersheypark, Knoebels, and Sesame Place Philadelphia. Pennsylvania holds wonderful music festivals, such as Musikfest in Bethlehem, one of the largest free music festivals in the country. The Great Allentown Fair is one of the oldest fairs in the United States.

Transportation

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, called PennDOT, takes care of transportation in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has seven big airports, including Philadelphia International and Pittsburgh International. There are also many smaller airports all over the state. Bus services link cities in Pennsylvania and the Northeast, with companies like Greyhound Lines and Megabus offering trips.

The state has many highways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which goes from Ohio to New Jersey. Other important roads are Interstate 80 and Interstate 81. In cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, public trains and buses help people travel around. Amtrak offers train services connecting Pennsylvania to other parts of the country. The state also has busy ports, such as the Port of Pittsburgh and the Port of Philadelphia.

Culture

See also: Culture of Allentown, Pennsylvania; Culture of Philadelphia; Culture of Pittsburgh; LGBT culture in Philadelphia; List of museums in Pennsylvania; and Music of Pennsylvania

Food

Pennsylvania is famous for its tasty snacks. It makes the most pretzels and potato chips in the country. Some well-known snack companies began here, like Sturgis Pretzel House in Lititz and Snyder’s of Hanover. Hershey’s chocolate company, started by Milton S. Hershey, is also in Pennsylvania.

The state has many special foods. In Philadelphia, you can find cheesesteaks, hoagies, and soft pretzels. Pittsburgh is famous for its sandwiches from Primanti Brothers Restaurant and for pierogies. Other popular foods include scrapple, Shoofly pie, and chicken pot pie.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has many famous sports teams. The Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates play baseball. The Philadelphia 76ers and Pittsburgh Steelers are well-known football and basketball teams. The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins play hockey.

The state also has many college sports teams. Penn State and Pitt have strong football programs, and several schools in the Philadelphia area have exciting basketball teams. Pennsylvania is a great place for sports fans!

Nicknames

Since 1802, Pennsylvania has been called the Keystone State. This is its most popular nickname. The name comes from the idea of a keystone in architecture. It shows how important Pennsylvania was among the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nicknames include the Coal State, the Oil State, and the Steel State, because these industries were important to Pennsylvania in the past. Sometimes it is also called the State of Independence. People often just use the short form PA when talking about the state. Long ago, it was known as the Quaker State because of the role Quakers played in creating fair laws.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has been home to many famous people throughout history. Some well-known people from the state include writers, inventors, and leaders who have done important work in the United States. The state’s rich history and many different communities have helped shape many influential figures.

Sister regions

Pennsylvania has friendly partnerships with places far away! It works closely with Kedah in Malaysia, Matanzas Province in Cuba, and Rhône-Alpes in France. These partnerships help share ideas and support each other.

See also: List of sister cities in Pennsylvania