92 Interesting Facts about Pennsylvania, The Keystone State

Dan September 27, 2023

Pennsylvania, a state steeped in American history and industrial might, holds a unique place within the United States. Nestled in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions, it was one of the original thirteen colonies and played a pivotal role in the founding of the nation. Philadelphia, known as the “City of Brotherly Love,” served as the birthplace of American independence with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. These historical events still resonate through iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the birth of a nation.

Beyond its historical significance, Pennsylvania boasts diverse landscapes. The Appalachian Mountains traverse the state, offering stunning vistas and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Amish countryside, especially in Lancaster County, showcases a unique cultural and agrarian lifestyle, attracting visitors seeking a glimpse into simpler times. The state is also home to vibrant cities like Pittsburgh, a former industrial hub reinventing itself as a tech and healthcare center, and the aforementioned Philadelphia, known for its rich arts scene, world-class museums, and passionate sports culture.

Pennsylvania’s economy has evolved from its industrial roots to a diverse landscape that includes manufacturing, agriculture, technology, healthcare, and education. Major corporations have established their headquarters here, contributing to its economic growth and stability. The state is also renowned for its higher education institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, and Penn State University, fostering innovation and knowledge that reverberates globally.

Moreover, Pennsylvania hosts an array of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day in Philadelphia is a spectacle of music and pageantry, while the Groundhog Day celebration in Punxsutawney attracts international attention. The state’s culinary scene is notable, with Philadelphia’s cheesesteak being an iconic street food and the Pennsylvania Dutch influence seen in dishes like shoofly pie and scrapple.

Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg

To know more about Pennsylvania, let’s take a look at these 92 interesting facts about Pennsylvania.

1. Declaration of Independence: Adopted in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, making Pennsylvania a central player in American history.
2. Liberty Bell: An iconic symbol of American independence located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
3. First Hospital in the U.S.: The first hospital in the U.S., Pennsylvania Hospital, was founded in Philadelphia in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond.
4. Chocolatetown, USA: Hershey, Pennsylvania, is often referred to as Chocolatetown, USA, because it’s home to The Hershey Company.
5. Nicknames: Pennsylvania is known by several nicknames, including the “Keystone State,” “Quaker State,” and “Coal State.”
6. First U.S. Zoo: The Philadelphia Zoo, founded in 1859, was the first public zoo in the United States.
7. First U.S. Capitol: Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800 while Washington, D.C. was being built.
8. Presidential Homes: Pennsylvania is home to the homes and estates of several U.S. presidents, including George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and James Buchanan.
9. Longest Stone Arch Bridge: The Rockville Bridge, near Harrisburg, is the longest stone masonry arch railroad bridge in the world.
10. Birthplace of the Nation: Pennsylvania played a crucial role in the American Revolution, being where the Continental Congress declared independence in 1776.
11. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Home to the famous “Rocky Steps” and a vast collection of art, it is one of the largest art museums in the United States.
12. Andy Warhol Museum: Located in Pittsburgh, it is the largest museum dedicated to a single artist in the U.S.
13. Pioneer in Education: The first American kindergarten was established in Pennsylvania by Margarethe Schurz in 1856.
14. First Commercial Radio Station: KDKA in Pittsburgh, established in 1920, was the first commercial radio station in the world.
15. Amish Country: Pennsylvania is home to a significant Amish population, known for their traditional way of life and craftsmanship.
16. Battlefield Preservation: Pennsylvania has many well-preserved battlefields from the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War.
17. Betsy Ross House: Located in Philadelphia, it is the site where the first American flag, or “Betsy Ross flag,” is believed to have been created.
18. Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is famous for its annual Groundhog Day celebration.
19. Steel Production: Pennsylvania was a leading steel producer during the Industrial Revolution, earning it the nickname “Steel State.”
20. State Flower: The Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is the official state flower of Pennsylvania.
21. Chocolate Capital: Hershey, Pennsylvania, is often called the “Chocolate Capital of the United States.”
22. Libraries: Pennsylvania has a rich tradition of libraries, including the Free Library of Philadelphia, one of the largest public library systems in the world.
23. Arnold Palmer: The renowned golfer Arnold Palmer was born and raised in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
24. Valley Forge: An iconic Revolutionary War site where General George Washington’s Continental Army endured a harsh winter in 1777-78.
25. Kinzua Bridge State Park: The remnants of the Kinzua Viaduct, once the world’s tallest and longest railroad viaduct, are preserved in this park.
26. Great Allegheny Passage: A popular hiking and biking trail that spans 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland.
27. First American Flag: The first official American flag, with 13 stars and 13 stripes, was created in Philadelphia.
28. Flag Day: The city of Philadelphia celebrates Flag Day every year on June 14th.
29. Benjamin Franklin: A Founding Father, polymath, and diplomat, Benjamin Franklin made significant contributions to science and politics.
30. Wharton School: The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is one of the world’s top business schools.
31. Birthplace of Little League Baseball: The first Little League Baseball game was played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1939.
32. The Monongahela Incline: One of the oldest funicular railways in the U.S. is located in Pittsburgh.
33. Bald Eagle State Park: Named after the bald eagle, the national bird of the United States, it’s a popular park for outdoor activities.
34. Longest Cave: The “Mammoth Cave” in Pennsylvania is the longest cave in the state, attracting spelunkers and explorers.
35. Lehigh Valley: Known for its picturesque landscapes and being a hub of industry and manufacturing.
36. Philadelphia Orchestra: Founded in 1900, it is one of the top orchestras in the world.
37. Nittany Lion: The Nittany Lion is the mascot of Penn State University and is based on the mountain lions that once roamed the region.
38. Delaware Water Gap: A scenic national recreation area on the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offering stunning views and outdoor activities.
39. Oil Industry Birthplace: Titusville, Pennsylvania, is known as the birthplace of the oil industry, where the first oil well was drilled.
40. Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins are a successful NHL team based in Pittsburgh, with multiple Stanley Cup victories.
41. Lancaster County: Known for its rich farmlands, traditional Amish culture, and handcrafted quilts.
42. Gideon v. Wainwright: A landmark U.S. Supreme Court case originated in Pennsylvania, ensuring legal representation for criminal defendants who can’t afford an attorney.
43. Wellsboro: A picturesque town known for its gas-lit Main Street and proximity to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
44. Philadelphia Stock Exchange: Founded in 1790, it is the oldest stock exchange in the United States.
45. Meander Dam: The Meander Dam in Pennsylvania is the largest earthen dam east of the Mississippi River.
46. Electric Streetcar: In 1888, Frank J. Sprague, a Pennsylvania native, introduced the first successful electric streetcar system in Richmond, Virginia.
47. French Creek State Park: One of Pennsylvania’s largest and most visited state parks, offering diverse recreational activities.
48. Rodin Museum: Located in Philadelphia, it houses one of the most extensive collections of works by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin outside France.
49. Jazz History: Pittsburgh has a rich jazz history, being the hometown of many influential jazz musicians.
50. Allegheny River: A major river in Pennsylvania, known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.
51. Fallingwater: An architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania.
52. Duquesne Incline: A funicular in Pittsburgh that provides a stunning panoramic view of the city.
53. Susquehanna River: One of the longest rivers on the East Coast of the United States, passing through Pennsylvania.
54. Erie Canal: Pennsylvania played a vital role in the construction and development of the Erie Canal, a major waterway in the 19th century.
55. Major League Baseball: The Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates are the two major league baseball teams based in Pennsylvania.
56. Kennywood Park: An iconic amusement park near Pittsburgh, known for its classic wooden roller coasters.
57. The Electric Light Bulb: Thomas Edison demonstrated the first long-lasting electric light bulb in Menlo Park, Pennsylvania.
58. Punxsutawney Phil: The famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, predicts the weather every Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
59. Blue Marsh Lake: A popular spot for boating, fishing, and hiking in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
60. Pymatuning Reservoir: A reservoir in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, known for its excellent fishing opportunities.
61. Rivers Casino Pittsburgh: A popular attraction for gaming and entertainment in Pittsburgh.
62. Crystal Cave: A stunning natural limestone cave in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, discovered in 1871.
63. The Pennsylvania Dutch: A distinct group of early German-speaking immigrants, known for their unique culture and traditions.
64. Coudersport: The birthplace of Adelbert Ames, a Civil War general and a Reconstruction-era politician.
65. Eastern State Penitentiary: A former prison in Philadelphia, now a museum and a popular tourist attraction.
66. Pottsville: The home of Yuengling, America’s oldest operating brewery, established in 1829.
67. The National Road: The first federally funded road in the United States, stretching from Maryland to Illinois, passes through Pennsylvania.
68. Coal Mining History: Pennsylvania has a rich history of coal mining, which was a significant industry in the state.
69. Valley Forge Military Academy and College: An educational institution in Wayne, Pennsylvania, with a strong military tradition.
70. Knoebels Amusement Resort: A family-owned amusement park in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, known for its free admission and pay-as-you-go system.
71. Mushroom Capital: Kennett Square in Pennsylvania is known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World” due to its significant mushroom farming industry.
72. York College of Pennsylvania: Founded in 1787, York College of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest institutions in the U.S.
73. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State): Established in 1855, Penn State is one of the largest university campuses in the U.S.
74. University of Pennsylvania: Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, it is one of the prestigious Ivy League institutions.
75. Lafayette College: Established in 1826, Lafayette College is named after Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution.
76. Gettysburg College: Founded in 1832, its campus was a focal point during the American Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg.
77. West Chester University: Established in 1871, it is one of the 14 state universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
78. Temple University: Founded in 1884, it is renowned for its distinguished programs in law, medicine, business, and media.
79. Robert Morris University: Established in 1921 and named after Robert Morris, a Founding Father and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
80. University of Pittsburgh: Founded in 1787, it consistently ranks among the top public research universities in the U.S.
81. Lehigh University: Founded in 1865, it boasts a beautiful campus located in Bethlehem and offers strong engineering and business programs.
82. Drexel University: Established in 1891, known for its cooperative education program, providing students with valuable work experience.
83. Villanova University: Founded in 1842, it is one of the oldest Catholic universities in Pennsylvania, emphasizing Augustinian values.
84. Carnegie Mellon University: Established in 1900, it is a hub for innovation and highly ranked for its programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts.
85. Juniata College: Founded in 1876, Juniata College is a private liberal arts college located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
86. Famous Bridges: Pennsylvania is home to some of the most famous and picturesque bridges, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, immortalized by the film “Rocky.”
87. Forbes Field: Once a major league baseball park located in Pittsburgh, Forbes Field was the site of many historic sporting events.
88. Battleship New Jersey: The USS New Jersey, a retired battleship, is permanently docked in Camden, New Jersey, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, and is open to the public as a museum ship.
89. Punxsutawney Phil’s Shadow: Groundhog Day tradition dictates that if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.
90. Philly Cheesesteak: A beloved Philadelphia specialty, a cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of steak and melted cheese on a long roll.
91. Altoona Curve: A minor league baseball team based in Altoona, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
92. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens: A unique art environment and community arts center in Philadelphia, created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar.

Pennsylvania, with its blend of historical significance, natural beauty, vibrant cities, and cultural richness, embodies the essence of America’s story. From the hallowed halls where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were conceived to the picturesque landscapes that have witnessed centuries unfold, the state weaves together a tapestry of the past, present, and future. It stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and diverse heritage that define the American spirit. Pennsylvania’s legacy is not confined to textbooks; it lives in the cobblestone streets, the rustling leaves of ancient forests, and the laughter of communities united in pride.

As the sun sets over the rolling hills and urban skylines, Pennsylvania remains a beacon of discovery and exploration. Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Philadelphia, the peaceful vistas of the Poconos, or the history-laden streets of Gettysburg, there’s always more to uncover. The Keystone State invites travelers and residents alike to delve into its rich offerings, fostering a sense of connection to the past while propelling towards a future of promise and opportunity. Pennsylvania’s story is ever-evolving, and those who seek it find not just a glimpse of history, but a vibrant, living narrative that continues to shape the very fabric of the nation.