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Pennsylvania is the Keystone State. Interesting facts about Pennsylvania, cities and attractions

"State of Independence" Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania)

The state of Pennsylvania is located in the Northeastern United States and belongs to the Mid-Atlantic states of the United States. The territory of Pennsylvania is 119,283 km2 (33rd place in the USA).
Pennsylvania is in many ways the first state in the United States. And although historically it turned out to be the second in the United States, having been formed on December 12, 1787, it was here that the first newspaper was published, the first sugar factory was built, the first bank, the first university, the first social hospital were opened, and the first steamship was launched.
And even in 1790, Pennsylvania was the first among the North American states to pass a law on the emancipation of slaves.
Since then, the state's motto has been Virtue, Liberty and Independence, and its unofficial name is the “State of Independence.”

The capital of Pennsylvania is the city of Harrisburg, located in the southeast of the state. 170 km from it to the west is the largest city in the state and the fifth largest in the United States - Philadelphia. Second Big city Pennsylvania is located in the east of the state - this is Pittsburgh

Harrisburg

Philadelphia



Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania is called the "keystone state", as it is a kind of bridge between the northeastern states of New England and the South of the United States, as well as between the Atlantic coast and the Great Lakes.
The name of the state of Pennsylvania comes from the Latin words Penn Sylvania, which means "Land and Woods of Penn."
The state of Pennsylvania received this name because in 1681 the English king Charles II donated the lands that are part of modern Pennsylvania to William Penn. This gift was made to repay the king's debt to William Penn's father, Admiral Penn, after whom the new colony was named.

Delaware River in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's eastern border is formed by the Delaware River, one of the largest rivers on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Along the very scenic river are several national parks and recreation areas that are some of the most popular attractions in the United States.

Southeastern Pennsylvania, often referred to as "Dutch Pennsylvania", is located on the Piedmont Plateau. It is an area of ​​gently sloping, forested hills with many rivers and streams running between them.

Stretches from northeast to southwest Pennsylvania mountain system Appalachia.

In the northeast of the state are the low Endless and Pocono Mountains, which are part of the Alleeny Plateau. It is in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania that very large reserves of coal are concentrated, the extraction of which was the basis of the Pennsylvania economy for many years.

Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cool winters.

Pennsylvania is periodically exposed to the elements. In summer and autumn, tropical cyclones from the Atlantic bring heavy rainfall, often causing flooding on the state's many rivers. Tornadoes sweep through Pennsylvania up to ten times a year.









And a little history

The first European explorer to see the shores of Pennsylvania was the Italian Giovanni da Verrazzano, who sailed along the east coast in 1524 North America.

At the beginning of the 17th century, rights to Pennsylvania lands were disputed by England and Holland. The British believed that these territories were part of the Virginia Colony; even the name of the Delaware River (and the state of Delaware) was given in honor of the first governor of the English colony in Jamestown, Thomas West, Lord De La Warre. However, in fact, the first European settlements in Pennsylvania were founded in the twenties of the 17th century by the Dutch - these were trading posts of the West India Company.
In those years, the North American colony of New Holland, owned by the West India Company, was led by Peter Minuit (by the way, it was he who bought the island of Manhattan from the Indians, where modern New York later grew up). In 1631, he quarreled with the leaders of the company, was fired and, with the help of his friends in Sweden (which was then one of the leading European powers), organized in 1638 several settlements in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware under the Swedish flag - the colony of New Sweden .

But already in 1655, the Dutch regained control over the territory, and in 1664, all Dutch possessions in North America were captured by the British.

"The Birth of Pennsylvania" (artist Jean Ferris). William Penn receives rights to Pennsylvania lands from King Charles II.

On March 4, 1681, King Charles II of England granted rights to a vast territory in North America to William Penn, a British entrepreneur and philosopher. The lands were given as repayment of a royal debt of £16,000 to Penn's father, Admiral of the British Navy Sir William Penn.

The new owner named his colony "Pennsylvania," "Penn's Land and Woods." The lands of Pennsylvania remained the property of the Penn family until the end of the 18th century, when the state of Pennsylvania, one of the first thirteen states of the United States, was created in the newly independent country of the United States.

William Penn's religious beliefs were a supporter of the Quakers, one of the branches of Protestantism that preaches religious tolerance, equality of all people and rejection of violence. It was these principles that he tried to embody in the new colony - Pennsylvania. Even founded by him in the Delaware River Valley new town Penn called Philadelphia, "The City of Brotherly Love."
Many religious and political refugees from Europe, mostly Germans, Scots, and Irish, poured into Pennsylvania. Philadelphia grew rapidly and soon became one of the most important cities in North America (and later one of largest cities USA).

William Penn strived in every possible way to maintain peaceful and good neighborly relations with the indigenous population - the American Indians. In 1683, in the Indian village of Shakkamaxon, he entered into a treaty of friendship with the leaders of the Lenni-Lenape people, led by Chief Tammany. Voltaire later said that this was “the only treaty between the Indians and Christians that was never broken.”
It is no coincidence that Pennsylvania is called the “State of Independence”; it was in this state that the most important events during the founding of the United States took place.

Here in 1774, the First Continental Congress worked and decided to declare an economic boycott of Great Britain as a protest against the events of the Boston Tea Party. The result of the work of the delegates of the Second Continental Congress was the declaration of US independence on July 4, 1776.

From the bell tower of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the ringing of the Liberty Bell, which later became one of the main symbols of the United States, convened city residents to the announcement of the Declaration of Independence of the United States.

In September 1787, the Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia, chaired by the future first US President George Washington, at which delegates from the thirteen independent states adopted the US Constitution.

Scene of the signing of the US Constitution (art. Howard Christie, 1940). This painting is now in the US Capitol in Washington.

The history of Pennsylvania in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries is primarily the history of industrial development. The largest reserves of coal and iron ore were discovered in Pennsylvania. Mines, metallurgical plants, and railways were built here.

Pennsylvania has become one of the most industrial states in the United States, Pittsburgh - the largest industrial city. Tremendous fortunes were made in Pennsylvania steel production, laying the foundation for future financial dynasties.

By the beginning of the 21st century, Pennsylvania became one of the regions in which modern high-tech industries, in particular pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, are developing most rapidly.

Like most US states, Pennsylvania has its own symbols: the Pennsylvania firefly, the Virginia white-tailed deer, the collared grouse, the palia fish or American char, the Great Dane, as well as the evergreen coniferous tree hemlock and the mountain laurel flower or Kalmia latifolia.
The state colors are blue and gold, the dance is polka, and the foods are milk and sugar cookies.

However, the most famous symbol of Pennsylvania throughout the world is the famous groundhog Phil of Punxsutawney, who predicts the weather on February 2 every year.
Pennsylvania is considered a kind of cultural mecca on the east coast of the United States. It is home to many world-class museums, and its citizens represent a rich mixture of cultures, ethnicities, religions and customs.



On a map of the United States it can be seen in the northeastern region of the state. The main industrial city here is Pittsburgh, the surrounding area of ​​which is very rich in huge deposits of various minerals. As of today, the state is one of the most developed regions in the entire country.

First Europeans

Pennsylvania is the state where the first European settlers were the Dutch and Swedes. In 1681, the English Quaker William Penn received as a gift from King Charles II a spacious territory that was located on the western side of the Delaware River. A year later, he founded a colony, which later became a refuge for Protestants and others who were persecuted for their faith. Some time later, William founded the city of Philadelphia, which over time became one of the most developed in the USA.

Civil War and Independence

At a time when the entire state of Pennsylvania was engulfed in the Civil War, it took an active part in it and found itself in the very epicenter of the fighting. Here its representatives acted on the side of the “northerners”. Many historians claim that the turning point in the confrontation was the battle that took place near Gettysburg in July 1863. As a result of the battle, almost 43 thousand people died on both sides.

In 1776, the state constitution was officially adopted. At the same time in Philadelphia, during the Second Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence was signed. Eleven years later, the Union Constitution was ratified. Pennsylvania is a state for which the post-war period was marked by the most rapid industrial and economic development, consolidation of the ruling state forces, as well as population growth, compared to other regions.

Political structure

The local capital is Harrisburg. It is home to about 530 thousand inhabitants. Under the current political system, Pennsylvania is a state governed by a bicameral parliament. It consists of 50 deputies of the Legislative Assembly (they are re-elected once every four years), as well as 203 deputies of the House of Representatives (they are elected again every two years). There is also a governor here. His term of office is four years, and he can only be re-elected once. It should be noted that, since the fifties of the last century, “Republicans” and “Democrats” have been represented in the Pennsylvania parliament in approximately the same proportion.

Judicial power in the region belongs to the Supreme Court. It consists of a chairman and six members. They are elected for a period of ten years. Among other things, the state is divided locally into 66 separate counties. Each of them is headed by a council of three justices of the peace.

Names

Officially, the state is called the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This is how it is designated in all government documents and on maps. The region has a reputation as an excellent place to study, work and relax. At the same time, we must not forget that it is the birthplace of American independence. In this regard, another name that Pennsylvania has has become quite common and almost the second official - “the cornerstone state” (in other words, the “Keystone State”). This name reflects the great love and respect of the country’s residents for the region, which played one of the main roles in the victory

Pennsylvania today

As of today, Pennsylvania is one of the most prosperous states in the United States. Its population is more than twelve million people. This is the sixth highest figure in the country. Agriculture is the basis for the local economy. In addition to it, such industries as high-tech manufacturing and

The state boasts fairly low crime and unemployment rates, a high standard of living for local citizens, and first-class healthcare and educational systems. All these aspects give us the right to confidently call Pennsylvania an excellent place for all types of activities and recreation. People feel comfortable and cozy both in large cities and in small remote communities.

Sights, tourism and leisure

The largest and most developed metropolitan areas that the state of Pennsylvania has are the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. They are also the largest industrial and port centers in the region. It is not surprising that most of the local attractions are concentrated on their territory. Thanks to its rich history and beautiful scenery, the state attracts more than one hundred million tourists every year. They have the opportunity to visit approximately 120 national parks and ten thousand square meters of forests.

One of the most interesting places for travelers are the world-famous battlefield and Eisenhower's home, located in Gettysburg. Winemaking can be highlighted as a separate line in the local economy and history. In this regard, a significant share of the tourism sector is concentrated on this aspect. There are a number of appropriate routes for tourists visiting the state. Among other things, fairs and festivals dedicated to winemaking are held annually in the region.

Pennsylvania is the only landlocked Mid-Atlantic state in the United States. Be that as it may, this did not prevent the region from becoming one of the main political and economic centers of the state at the dawn of its existence.

In the North American region, the state was one of the first to pass a law related to the emancipation of slaves. This happened in 1790.

The state motto of Pennsylvania is “Liberty, Virtue and Independence!”

In the USA, each state has its own symbols. For Pennsylvania, these are the mountain laurel flower and the Pennsylvania firefly. Don’t forget that this is where the world famous groundhog Phil, who predicts the weather, lives.

Pennsylvania is a state in the northeastern United States. Its area is 117.4 thousand square meters. km, 12.6 million people live here (this is the 6th largest population in the United States). It was formed on December 12, 1787, becoming the second state of the United States.

The name of the state comes from the Latin Penn Sylvania, which means “Land and Forests of Penn.” The state received this name for a reason: in 1681, King Charles II of England donated the lands that are now part of modern Pennsylvania to the young Quaker William Penn. This gift was a thank you to William's father, Admiral Penn (and repayment of the king's debt to him), after whom the colony was named. At first it was a refuge for Quakers and others persecuted for their faith. The name of the state of Philadelphia is also associated with the name of William Penn. In ancient Greek, this word means “City of Brotherly Love” - it was built by him specifically for Protestants.

The capital of Pennsylvania is the city of Harrisburg, located in the southeast of the state. 170 km west of it is the largest city in the state and the fifth largest in the United States - Philadelphia. The second large city in Pennsylvania is located in the east of the state - Pittsburgh. Perhaps Pittsburgh would not have become such a large city if mineral deposits had not been found in the vicinity of the city. Today it is not only a major center for their extraction, but also a developing industrial city. Due to its coal deposits, Pennsylvania is also called the coal state.

Pennsylvania is in many ways the first state in the United States. And although historically it turned out to be second, it was here that the first newspaper was published, the first sugar factory was built, the first bank, the first university, the first social hospital were opened, and the first steamship was launched. Pennsylvania was the first among the North American states to pass a law on the emancipation of slaves - in 1790. Since then, the state motto has been Virtue, Liberty and Independence, and its unofficial name is the “State of Independence”.

Pennsylvania

Nature and climate of the state

Pennsylvania's climate is so varied that traveling through it feels like traveling vast distances. This is due to the peculiarities of the relief: the difference in altitude in Pennsylvania is about a kilometer - the Appalachian Mountains pass through the state from southwest to northeast, and the Allegheny Plateau is located in the northwest. The Delaware, Suskeganna and Allegany rivers flow through the valleys, and the state also owns part of the coast of Lake Erie.

It has a temperate continental climate with hot, humid summers and fairly cool winters. In the southeast, oceanic subtropics appear, while in the mountainous regions the climate is harsher and snowfalls are frequent in winter.

The average annual temperature in Pennsylvania is +10 °C, which is not so bad for an area located close to the Atlantic Ocean. For local residents Tornadoes are the order of the day, most often occurring in the spring and summer. There can be about ten tornadoes a year.

Like most US states, Pennsylvania has its own symbols: the Pennsylvania firefly, Virginia white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, palia fish or American char, Great Dane, as well as the evergreen coniferous tree hemlock and mountain laurel flower. The state colors are blue and gold, the dance is polka, and the foods are milk and sugar cookies.

The world-famous symbol of Pennsylvania is the famous groundhog Phil from the city of Punxsutawney, who annually predicts the weather on February 2.

Popular hotels in Pennsylvania

Entertainment and attractions in Pennsylvania

The best photos of Pennsylvania

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All 170 Pennsylvania photos

Pennsylvania is considered the cultural mecca of the east coast of the United States. There are many world-class museums here, and its citizens are a mixture of cultures, ethnicities, religions and customs. Most of the state's cultural treasures and attractions are located in major cities- Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Thus, in Pittsburgh there is the famous Carnegie Institution, on whose territory the Museum of Natural Science, the Art Museum and the library are located. There are also two universities in the city.

Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania

We must not forget about one of the oldest cities in the USA - Philadelphia. This city is directly connected with the most important events in the history of the country at the moments of its formation: it was here that the Declaration of Independence and the first US Constitution were adopted. Philadelphia has been the capital of the United States twice.

The main attractions of Philadelphia:

  • Independence Hall, commemorating the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776,
  • The Congress Hall where the famous Bill of Rights was signed
  • Franklin Court Museum - Benjamin Franklin's home and office,
  • city ​​hall building from the late 19th century,
  • museum of fine arts,
  • The Academy of Music, where world stars Chaliapin and Caruso once performed,
  • houses of Edgar Allan Poe and Betsy Ross,
  • the famous Fairmont Park (37 sq. km) is one of the largest parks in the world, on the territory of which, in addition to green spaces, there are a large number of cultural and public buildings.

It is illegal to build skyscrapers in Philadelphia. People here prefer to live in mansions - hence the saying “Like the best houses in Philadelphia.” And the reason for this was an old rule: no building can officially be higher than the tower of William Penn, or rather, higher than the hat on his statue.

Philadelphia

Near Philadelphia, you can visit the historic Old Bedford Village, which contains 40 buildings from the era of European exploration of the region. Nearby are the city of Intercourse with no less picturesque surroundings of past centuries, the old Lankawanna coal mine (76 m deep) turned into a museum and Valley Forge National Historical Park - one of the shrines of the American Revolution. American history buffs can also visit Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of key battles during the 1863 Revolutionary War, and Eisenhower National Historical Park, President Dwight D. Eisenhower's home and farm near Gettysburg Field.

Among the natural attractions of the state, it is worth noting the picturesque Fallingwater Falls, the 80-kilometer Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, up to 300 m deep, formed by Pine Creek, Point State Park-Fontaine, where the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers gives birth to one of the largest rivers of the mainland - Ohio , as well as the Pocono and Endless Mountains - 6,200 km² of beautiful landscapes, where about a hundred species of trees alone grow.

Pennsylvania's other major urban clusters formed around Pittsburgh (over 2,350,000 people), Allentown (over 820,000 people), Scranton ("Wyoming Valley", over 560,000 people), and Harrisburg (about 550,000 people).



Racial composition of the state of Pennsylvania:

  • White - 81.9%
  • Black (African American) - 10.8%
  • Asians - 2.7%
  • Native Americans (Indians or Alaskan Eskimos) - 0.2%
  • Other races - 2.4%
  • Two or more races - 1.9%
  • Hispanic or Latino (any race) - 5.7%

Although relatively few Pennsylvanians are Hispanic or Latino, this population group is the fastest growing. The majority of Pennsylvania Latinos live in or around Philadelphia.



The largest ethnic (national) groups among the population of Pennsylvania are:

  • Germans - about 28.5%
  • Irish - about 18%
  • Italians - about 13%
  • Descendants of people from Africa (African Americans) - about 11%
  • English - about 8.5%
  • Poles - about 7%

More than 1.5% of Pennsylvania's population is ethnic Russian, and about 1% is Ukrainian.

The southeastern counties of the state are often called "Dutch Pennsylvania" ( Pennsylvania Dutch). In fact, this area was at one time inhabited by ethnic Germans, and the name, essentially erroneous, came from a corruption of the German word Deutsch("German").



In surveys, about 70% of the population of Pennsylvania declare their affiliation with one religion or another. The largest groups among religious residents of the state:

  • Christians - about 95%, including:
    • Catholics - about 53%
    • Protestants - about 40%, including:
      • Methodists - about 9%
      • Lutherans - about 9%
    • Orthodox - about 1%
  • Jews - about 4%
  • Muslims - about 1%

Pennsylvania has a very large population (second largest in the USA after the state

Pennsylvania nicknamed capstone staff. The state's economy ranks sixth among all states and can be compared with Thailand. Pennsylvania has a truly wonderful climate and nature; the nature views of this state are not only amazing, but also mysterious.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia (American Philadelphia)- one of the oldest cities in America and the largest city in Pennsylvania by population (about 1,570 thousand people). Philadelphia is located almost at the very edge of the state, on the Delaware River. This city played a large and significant role in the history of America; there are many monuments and various historical places, associated with different times and events that took place in it. The city has a very developed state and municipal sector, even though the city does not have the title of capital. It was in this city that the US Constitution was adopted in 1787

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh (American: Pittsburgh)- the second most populous city in the state (about 310 thousand people), located near the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which form the Ohio River. The city has a very developed business sector, healthcare, banking and financial sectors. Many people rightly call Pittsburgh a metropolis. It's really true, the downtown area is amazing.

Allentown

Allentown (US: Allentown)- a city in Pennsylvania with a population of about 125 thousand people. Allentown is located on the Lehigh River. The city is mainly developed by business of various services, but in addition to this, the city is home to several headquarters of large companies.

Harrisburg

Harrisburg (American: Harrisburg)- is the capital of the state of Pennsylvania, and the population of the city is about 57 thousand people. Despite the fact that the city is the capital of the state, its financial situation leaves much to be desired; for example, in 2011, due to the crisis, the city was on the verge of bankruptcy.