Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Name	Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Nickname	Keystone State
Motto	"Virtue, Liberty, and Independence"
Capital	Harrisburg
Largest city	Philadelphia
Largest metro	Delaware Valley
Admission date	December 12, 1787 (2nd)
Governor	Josh Shapiro (D)
Lieutenant governor	Austin Davis (D)
Legislature	Pennsylvania General Assembly
Upper house	Pennsylvania State Senate
Lower house	Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Judiciary	Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
U.S. senators	Bob Casey Jr. (D), John Fetterman (D)
U.S. House delegation	9 Democrats, 8 Republicans
Area total sq mi	46,055
Area land sq mi	44,742.70
Area water sq mi	1,312.30
Population est	12,961,683
Population est year	2023

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A state in the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions of the United States, it is a historic and economic powerhouse. Founded by William Penn as a haven for religious freedom, it played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and the founding of the nation. Today, it is known for its diverse geography, from the urban corridors of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to the expansive Pennsylvania Wilds and Amish farmlands.

History

The land was originally inhabited by tribes like the Lenape and Susquehannock before being granted to William Penn by Charles II of England in 1681. Key events in early American history unfolded here, including the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in Philadelphia. The state was central to the American Civil War, hosting the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg. The Industrial Revolution transformed cities like Pittsburgh and Scranton through steel and coal mining, while incidents like the Johnstown Flood and the Three Mile Island accident marked its 20th-century history.

Geography

Bordered by Lake Erie and New York to the north, New Jersey to the east, Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia to the south, and Ohio to the west, its terrain is highly varied. Major features include the Appalachian Mountains, the Allegheny Plateau, and the fertile Lancaster County plain. The Delaware River forms its eastern border, while the Susquehanna River bisects the state. It encompasses parts of the Allegheny National Forest and the Pocono Mountains resort region.

Government and politics

Operating under its fourth constitution, the government is led by Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. The bicameral Pennsylvania General Assembly consists of the Pennsylvania State Senate and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the highest court. A perennial swing state in federal elections, it has recently elected Senators Bob Casey Jr. and John Fetterman. The state's political map shows a stark divide between the liberal Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas and the conservative T region.

Economy

Historically dominated by heavy industry, the economy has diversified into sectors like health care, higher education, and technology. Pennsylvania is a major agricultural producer, leading in mushroom farming and home to companies like The Hershey Company. Energy remains significant, with legacy coal operations and the contemporary Marcellus Shale natural gas boom. Major corporations headquartered here include Comcast, PPG Industries, and U.S. Steel. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia are key financial institutions.

Demographics

One of the most populous states, its residents are concentrated in the Delaware Valley and Greater Pittsburgh metropolitan areas. Major ancestry groups include German, Irish, Italian, and African American. It has one of the nation's largest rural populations and is home to unique communities like the Amish and Mennonites in areas such as Lancaster County. Significant educational centers include Penn, Pennsylvania State University, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Culture

The state boasts a rich cultural heritage, from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Andy Warhol Museum to the Pennsylvania Dutch folk traditions. It is the birthplace of American television with WFIL-TV and the home of iconic foods like the Philly cheesesteak, pretzels, and Hershey's chocolate. Professional sports are deeply ingrained, with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Phillies. Notable cultural events include the Philadelphia Flower Show, Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, and the Kutztown Folk Festival.

Category:States of the United States Category:1787 establishments in the United States