PENNSYLVANIA

Overview

Pennsylvania is the sixth largest state, including within its boundaries an area of 46,058 square miles and a resident population of 12.4 million people. Pennsylvania has been known as the Keystone State since 1802, based in part upon its central location among the original "Thirteen Colonies" forming the United States, and now the northeastern United States. This strategic location in the northeastern portion of the country has made Pennsylvania home to 49 Fortune 500 companies.

Manufacturing, agriculture and tourism make up the top industries in the state economy. Pennsylvania is also a leader in health care systems starting with the building of the first hospital in the nation in 1751. Today the state is home to over 16 major hospitals with various medical specialists. In addition, the state has over 130 colleges and universities, with 5 of the top 124 located in the state.

As a result of the Governor's administration and the Commonwealth's business leaders, Pennsylvania's economic development initiatives have created diverse industries within the state, from manufacturing and farming to the cutting edge of biotechnology and alternative energy.

History

Early History Prior to European colonization, the area known as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was inhabited by several Indian tribes. The Delawares, Shawnees, Susquehannocks, and Iroquois were among the largest groups that once lived here. By the early 1600's settlers began to arrive from the Netherlands and Sweden and became some of the first Europeans to settle in Pennsylvania. In 1681, King Charles II of England granted William Penn, an English Quaker, the land that would be known as "Penn's Woods" for a settlement of debt the King owed to Penn's father. Soon after the establishment of the Commonwealth, settlers from other parts of Europe such as England, Ireland, Wales, Holland, Germany as well as Scotch-Irish and African-Americans began to immigrate to Pennsylvania. William Penn founded Philadelphia in 1682, and it soon became the first capital of the United States during the American Revolution and Philadelphia became an important political and economic center point in the development of America.

The Founding of a Nation Throughout history, many important and historic events took place in the state. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed in Philadelphia and the famous Liberty Bell is also located there. Philadelphia's history from 1774 to 1880 is inextricably linked to that of the American Revolution and the young nation, for from 1790 to 1800, Philadelphia was the capital of the United States and held the first President's house and office. In Independence National Historical Park, "America's most historic square mile", two of the nation's most recognizable monuments to freedom can be found – the Liberty Bell, symbol of the nation's freedom, and Independence Hall, the birthplace of the nation, where a group of dissatisfied colonists adopted Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In addition, the Articles of the Constitution were structured in Pennsylvania when the Federal Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787. This structure of articles remains the basis of our government today.

Civil War and early 20th Century

During the Civil War, Pennsylvania played an important role in defending and preserving the nation. Due to its strategic location in the middle of the Atlantic States, Pennsylvania served as a shield for the Northern States against Southern invasions.

In addition, Pennsylvania's industrial and natural resources were prime factors in the economic force of the northern cause. Railroads, iron and steel industries, shipbuilding and the state's agricultural wealth, provided vital resources for the war effort.

There are numerous important sites and battlefields across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania marking the important role Pennsylvania and its residents played in the Civil War. One of the most important and memorable sites are the battlefields of Gettysburg. The Gettysburg National Park is the sacred site to the famous Battle of Gettysburg and President Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address during the Civil War.

World War I, II and the 20th Century

Once again, Pennsylvania's resources and manpower were tremendous assets to both World Wars and the United States role in the World, specifically its immense manufacturing industries. From shipbuilding and materials provided from Pennsylvania's mills and factories, to the amount of civilian and military resources, Pennsylvania assisted in the war efforts at home and abroad.

For more information go to: http://www.explorepahistory.com/stories.php
http://www.phila.gov/presidentshouse/

20th to 21st Century Popular Culture

Pennsylvania has served popular culture throughout its history. Philadelphia was the birthplace of many publications and newspapers, and in 1840 was the home to more newspapers than any other state. The first commercial broadcast station in the world was KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which started a daily broadcast in the 1920s. In addition, Philadelphia has always been a leader in theatre and the performing arts which continues to the present day.

Western Pennsylvania has an interesting spot in history as being one of the first areas in the country to open a movie theatre known as a "Nickelodeon", The first "Nickelodeon" was opened on June 19, 1905 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The name was based on the cost of admission to the theater (a nickel) and the Greek word for theater (odeon). It was so successful and popular more "Nickelodeons" opened around the country and today the United States leads the world in film production.

Future: Innovation

Pennsylvania is at the intersection of the brightest university talent and sound business incubation, which provides fertile ground for research and development in order to come up with the newest, innovative technologies. Next-generation electronics and alternative energy are two areas the Commonwealth is leading the way. In addition, there is world-class research being conducted throughout the Commonwealth in the fields of medicine, biotechnology and the life sciences.