Earlier this week, on July 20 to be exact, folks from all over the state of Pennsylvania celebrated National Pennsylvania Day. The date recognizes the commonwealth’s entry into statehood as the second in the nation following the American Revolution.
Throughout the ages and even into modern times, Pennsylvania has garnered several claims to fame and attributes. From notable firsts to national and international renown, for this Flashback Friday Feature I’m sharing a few fun and fascinating facts from Pennsylvania history.
Earliest Inhabitants
While there remains some argument among archaeologists regarding exact dates and times, artifacts confirm that the earliest inhabitants were living in the area now comprising Pennsylvania for at least 19,400 years. The indigenous people to inhabit these parts included the Lenape, Susquehannocks, Erie, Seneca, and Oneida.
European Colonization
Regarding the first European settlers, it was William Penn who established the colony as a “haven of religious tolerance” in 1681.
What’s in a Name?
While Penn desired the colony to be named “Sylvania,” meaning woodlands in Latin, the “Penn” part comes from the founder’s surname, obviously.
The Keystone State
Pennsylvania carries the nickname of “Keystone State” owing to its geographical location among the 13 original colonies. Historically, a keystone is a stone that other stones depend on.
Land and Taxes
Between 1754 and 1763, multiple land disputes broke out among the French and English during the French and Indian War. Although the English won, a large debt was left in the wake of victory. As a result, England taxed the colonists—an act several thought unfair. This initially led to the Revolutionary War in 1775.
Epicenter for the Revolution
It goes without saying that Pennsylvania would be directly instrumental throughout the War. It was in 1775, in Philadelphia, that the Second Continental Congress took place, initially leading to the decision to go to war. This was also where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. During that same year, George Washington led the colonial forces known as the Continental Army across the Delaware River—and to an important victory—in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
First Piano
On a random, more musical note, Philadelphia was also the site of the first piano built in America. This was also in 1775.
Statehood Status
While the Declaration of Independence was formally signed in Philadelphia in 1776, it wasn’t until 1787, after the war ended, that Pennsylvania achieved statehood.
One of the Earliest Champions for Abolition
Pennsylvania even pioneered early abolitionist movements dating back to the 1780s. It was the first original state to pass legislation on the subject.
First Newspaper
Did you know that the first daily newspaper was published in Philadelphia in 1784?
Capital Status
While Harrisburg is the current state capital, it was the city of Philadelphia that was the original capital of the United States. Philadelphia served as the nation’s capital between 1790 and 1800.
Yuengling
Now regarded as America’s oldest brewery, D. G. Yuengling & Son got its start in Pottsville, Pennsylvania back in 1829. It remains a family-owned operation to this day, renowned for its traditional lagers and strong ties to Pennsylvania’s heritage.
Big Oil Started Here
It was in 1859 that Edwin Drake managed to achieve the world’s first successful commercial oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania. On a side note, coal also happens to be one of the state’s most abundant natural resources. Pennsylvania is even home to the largest reserve of anthracite coal in the country.
Oldest Zoo in the Nation
Philadelphia Zoo is famous for being the first public zoo in the nation. Originally chartered in 1859, the Civil War initially delayed its opening until July 1, 1874.
Civil War Significance
Speaking of the Civil War, let it be known that the state largely supported the Union. The three-day Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 was even a crucial Civil War turning point, as it marked the end of the Confederacy’s northern invasion. This is also where Lincoln delivered his now-famous Gettysburg Address.
Wawa
Wawa Inc., which now stands out for multiple convenience stores and gas stations throughout the Mid-Atlantic, got its start in none other than Wawa, Pennsylvania, in 1903. The operation first began as a dairy farm.
Home to Chocolate Capital
In addition to Wawa, Pennsylvania is home to the Chocolate Capital of the United States. Hershey was established by Milton Hershey in the late 1800s, with the build-up to his chocolate empire founded in 1905.
First Baseball Stadium
The state is also home to the first baseball stadium in the nation. It was built in Pittsburgh back in 1909.
The Original Philly Cheesesteak
One of the most obvious inventions on the food scene was the creation of the first Philly Cheesesteak. It was first made by brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri back in the 1930s in Philadelphia.
First Major Computer
In 1946, the University of Pennsylvania debuted the world’s first modern computer. It was the ENIAC.
Birth of Driver’s Education in Schools
Did you know that the State College Area High School was first in the nation to teach driver’s education? The year was 1958.
Groundhog Day
The first official Groundhog Day celebration in America occurred in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania in 1887. The tradition continues to this day with the now world-famous weather-forecasting groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, being featured annually in the ceremony.
State Geography
Pennsylvania is a large state, located in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Owing to its lofty size, it borders six states: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia. It is further divided into six regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Piedmont Province, New England Province, Ridge and Valley Province, Appalachian Plateau, and Central Lowland Province.
State Icons
The state animal of Pennsylvania is the Whitetail Deer, with its state bird being the Ruffed Grouse. The state flower is the Mountain Laurel.
State Flag
Pennsylvania’s flag features a blue field and the state coat of arms. The latter was established by a commission in 1874 and reported to the General Assembly on March 17, 1875. The design is based on a 1778 rendering by Caleb Lownes.
These are just a few of many fun and fascinating facts connected with Pennsylvania state history. Additionally, you’ll find no shortage of other unique trivia pieces and conversation starters worth discovering in far greater detail.