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, with over 13 million residents.

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 the First and Second Continental Congresses and was where the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

The Battle of Gettysburg, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War, 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, especially in developing treatments for cancer. 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's history of human habitation goes back thousands of years before the colony of Province of Pennsylvania was founded in 1681. Archaeologists believe the first settlement of the Americas happened at least 15,000 years ago, during the Last Glacial Period. Between 10,000 and 16,000 years ago, Native Americans crossed into North America. Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Jefferson Township has the earliest known signs of human activity in Pennsylvania and perhaps all of North America, with remains from over 10,000 years ago. By 1000 AD, the native people of Pennsylvania had developed agricultural techniques and a mixed food economy.

By the time European colonization of the Americas began, at least two major Native American tribes lived in Pennsylvania. The Lenape spoke an Algonquian language and lived in the eastern part of the state, known as Lenapehoking. This included most of present-day New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley and Delaware Valley regions. The Susquehannock spoke an Iroquoian language and lived along the Susquehanna River in Eastern Pennsylvania. European diseases and conflicts with other tribes and Europeans weakened these groups.

17th century

Main article: Province of Pennsylvania

In the 1600s, the Dutch and the English both claimed land along the Delaware River. The Dutch were first, settling the Delmarva Peninsula in 1631 and later New Sweden Colony near present-day Wilmington, Delaware. On March 12, 1664, King Charles II of England gave James, Duke of York a large grant of land, which included parts of today's Pennsylvania. The British took control of the area in 1664 after capturing New Amsterdam.

On February 28, 1681, King Charles II granted a large land charter to Quaker leader William Penn to repay a debt. Penn named the land Pennsylvania ("Penn's Woods") in honor of his father. Penn established 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)

Between 1730 and 1764, Pennsylvania made its own paper money called Colonial Scrip because there was a shortage of gold and silver coins. This paper money was accepted as payment because it was issued by the government.

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

When the Founding Fathers met in Philadelphia in 1774, 12 colonies sent representatives to the First Continental Congress. The Second Continental Congress began in May 1775 and signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Later, the Constitution was written and signed at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, now known as Independence Hall.

On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania was the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. At the time, it was the most diverse of the thirteen colonies, with many people speaking 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. From 1857 to 1861, James Buchanan, born in Franklin County, served as the 15th U.S. president.

From July 1 to 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg was fought near Gettysburg. It was the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War and a turning point for the Union. Months 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 large. Coal mining was also important. New companies like The Hershey Company and Heinz Company were founded during this time.

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 industries.

During World War II, Pennsylvania made a lot of military equipment. Over a million 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 industries like healthcare and technology. Cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia became centers for these new industries.

21st century

Further information: Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and 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 intended 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 part of the United States. It is about 170 miles from north to south and 283 miles from east to west. The state has many rivers and streams, more than any other state in the country. Pennsylvania does not touch the Atlantic Ocean, unlike the other original 13 states of the United States.

The state has different types of land, including mountains, hills, and flat areas. Pennsylvania has cold winters and warm, humid summers. Some areas, especially near Lake Erie, can get a lot of snow. The state can also have severe weather, like tornadoes, from spring through autumn. Big cities in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown. The state 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 the Canadian province of Ontario 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 13,011,844, up from 12,702,379 in 2010. This makes Pennsylvania the fifth-most populated state in the U.S., after California, Texas, Florida, and New York, and it has overtaken Illinois since the 2020 census.

Among Pennsylvania residents as of 2020, nearly three out of four (74.5%) were born in the state. About 18.4% were born in a different U.S. state, 1.5% were born in Puerto Rico or other U.S. areas, and 5.6% were born outside the U.S. The largest ancestry groups in Pennsylvania include German, Irish, Italian, African Americans, English, Polish, and French. Many people in the state speak languages other than English at home, including Spanish, German (including Pennsylvania Dutch), and Chinese.

Pennsylvania is known for its diverse communities, including large groups of people with roots in Asia, Latin America, and Europe. The state also has notable populations of Amish communities and other groups that maintain their cultural traditions.

Economy

See also: List of Pennsylvania counties by per capita income

Pennsylvania has a strong economy. As of 2024, its total economy was worth $1.017 trillion, making it the sixth-largest among all U.S. states. If Pennsylvania were its own country, its economy would be the 20th-largest in the world. The state has many jobs and businesses, with most being small.

Pennsylvania has important centers for making things, like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, and the Lehigh Valley. The state is known for helping develop medicines to fight 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 eighth in the nation for making wine. The state works to support local farms and food products through a program called "PA Preferred."

Banking

The first bank in the United States was 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 offering support for making movies 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 environmental issues. The state works to fix these problems.

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 during its time as a state. The capital of Pennsylvania 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 in the executive branch 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 in elections 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 criminal and civil 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 further 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, including cities, boroughs, and townships, 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, and some people find it difficult to understand.

Politics

Main article: Politics of Pennsylvania

See also: Elections in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has often been seen as 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, however, a Republican candidate won the state. In 2020, the state voted for a Democratic candidate again, but in 2024, it went back to the Republican candidate. The state has 19 electoral votes.

Historically, Pennsylvania has had a mix of Democratic and Republican voters. Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh usually vote Democratic, while more rural areas often vote Republican. This mix makes Pennsylvania an interesting state 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 on 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 great place for fun and learning. It has the nation's first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo. Other great zoos include the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Lehigh Valley Zoo, and ZooAmerica.

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

The state has many beautiful parks where you can explore nature for free. There are also exciting amusement parks like Hersheypark, Knoebels, and Sesame Place Philadelphia. Pennsylvania hosts 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 longest-running fairs in the United States.

Transportation

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, called PennDOT, handles transportation in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has seven major airports, including Philadelphia International and Pittsburgh International. There are also many smaller airports across the state. Bus services connect cities within Pennsylvania and to places in the Northeast, with companies like Greyhound Lines and Megabus offering rides.

The state has many highways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which stretches from Ohio to New Jersey. Other important roads include Interstate 80 and Interstate 81. In cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, public trains and buses help people get 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 well-known for its tasty snacks. It leads the country in making pretzels and potato chips. Some famous snack companies started here, like Sturgis Pretzel House in Lititz and Snyder’s of Hanover. Hershey’s chocolate company, started by Milton S. Hershey, is also based 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, which is its most popular nickname. This name comes from the idea of a keystone in architecture, showing how important Pennsylvania was among the original Thirteen Colonies. Many key documents, like the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, were signed there.

Other nicknames include the Coal State, the Oil State, and the Steel State, because these industries were very 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. Today, it is sometimes called the "Cellicon State" because of work in treating diseases like cancer done in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has been home to many famous people throughout history. Some well-known individuals from the state include writers, inventors, and leaders who have made important contributions to the United States. The state’s rich history and diverse 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