Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania
Name	Pennsylvania
Motto	"Virtue, Liberty, and Independence"
Anthem	"Pennsylvania"
Capital	Harrisburg
Largest city	Philadelphia
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
U.S. senators	Bob Casey Jr. (D), John Fetterman (D)
Population rank	5th
Population density rank	9th

Pennsylvania. Officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is a state in the Mid-Atlantic, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. It played a pivotal role in the nation's founding, hosting the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in Philadelphia. The state is known for its diverse geography, from the urban corridors of the Delaware Valley to the rugged Allegheny Mountains, and its historically significant economy spanning heavy industry, agriculture, and energy.

History

The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes like the Lenape and Susquehannock. In 1681, Charles II of England granted a land charter to William Penn, who established the Province of Pennsylvania as a haven for religious freedom, particularly for the Quakers. Key events of the American Revolution, including the First Continental Congress and the Battle of Germantown, occurred within its borders. During the 19th century, Gettysburg was the site of a decisive Civil War battle, and the state became an industrial powerhouse, driven by steel production in Pittsburgh and manufacturing in cities like Scranton and Allentown. The 20th century saw events like the Three Mile Island accident and the rise of its influential political battleground status.

Geography

Pennsylvania borders 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. Major physiographic regions include the Atlantic coastal plain in the southeast, the Piedmont, the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, and the Allegheny Plateau. Principal river systems are the Delaware River, the Susquehanna River, and the Ohio River. The Appalachian Trail traverses the state, and notable natural features include Pine Creek Gorge and Presque Isle State Park.

Demographics

With over 13 million residents, it is the fifth-most populous state. Major population centers are the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the Delaware Valley, and the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. Other significant cities include Allentown, Erie, and Reading. Historically, immigration waves brought large numbers of Germans, Irish, Italians, and Poles, contributing to a diverse ethnic makeup. Religious affiliation is varied, with strong historical presence of Anabaptist groups like the Amish in areas such as Lancaster County.

Economy

Its economy is highly diversified. Historically centered on steel and coal mining, it remains a major producer of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale. Agriculture is a leading industry, with Pennsylvania being a top producer of mushrooms, apples, and Christmas trees. It is home to corporate headquarters like Comcast, PPG Industries, and The Hershey Company. The Pennsylvania Turnpike and major ports on the Delaware River facilitate transportation, while sectors such as higher education, with institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, and healthcare are major employers.

Government and politics

State government operates under the Pennsylvania Constitution, with an elected governor and a bicameral Pennsylvania General Assembly. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the highest court. Politically, it is a crucial swing state in federal elections, with its electoral votes often decisive in presidential contests like the 2000 and 2016 elections. The state has a history of political machines, such as the Philadelphia Democratic machine, and has produced national figures including President James Buchanan and Thaddeus Stevens.

Culture

The state has a rich cultural heritage, often called the "Keystone State." It is known for iconic foods like the Philly cheesesteak, pretzels, Hershey's chocolate, and scrapple. Philadelphia is a major arts hub, home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Pittsburgh is renowned for institutions like the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Andy Warhol Museum. Sports are deeply embedded, with passionate followings for teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Phillies. Folk traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch, including the Amish, and events like Punxsutawney Groundhog Day are integral to its identity.

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