Pennsylvania

Basic Information

Pennsylvania, one of the original thirteen colonies, is known for its rich historical significance, diverse landscapes, and pivotal role in American industry and politics.

Capital

• Harrisburg

Largest City

• Philadelphia

Area

• 46,055 sq mi

Population

• 13 million (2020)

Demographics

Pennsylvania has a diverse population concentrated in its major urban centers, with significant rural communities throughout the state.

Ethnic Composition

• White:75.7%
• African American:12.0%
• Hispanic:7.8%
• Asian:3.8%
• Other:0.7%

Languages

• English:90.2%
• Spanish:4.5%
• Chinese:0.8%
• German/Pennsylvania Dutch:0.7%
• Other Languages:3.8%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:20.6%
• 18-64:60.1%
• 65+:19.3%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:0.2%
• Natural Increase:Minimal
• Migration:Mixed (domestic outflow, international inflow)

Economy

Pennsylvania's economy has diversified from its industrial roots to include healthcare, education, technology, and service sectors, while maintaining strong manufacturing and agricultural bases.

GDP

• $839 billion (2022)

Major Industries

• Healthcare and Life Sciences
• Manufacturing (Steel, Machinery, Food)
• Financial Services
• Energy Production (Natural Gas, Coal)
• Agriculture
• Tourism

Employment Rate

• Employed:96.2%
• Unemployment:3.8%

Major Companies

• Comcast
• AmerisourceBergen
• Rite Aid
• PNC Financial
• Kraft Heinz
• PPG Industries

Climate

Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate with regional variations influenced by topography and proximity to the Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean.

Eastern Region (Philadelphia area)

• Avg. Summer:85°F
• Avg. Winter:32°F
• Rainfall:45-48 inches/year
• Influenced by Atlantic coastal weather

Central Region (Harrisburg area)

• Avg. Summer:83°F
• Avg. Winter:28°F
• Rainfall:40-43 inches/year
• Four distinct seasons

Western Region (Pittsburgh area)

• Avg. Summer:80°F
• Avg. Winter:25°F
• Rainfall:38-40 inches/year
• Influenced by Lake Erie weather patterns

Weather Patterns

• Humid summers
• Snowy winters (particularly in northern mountains)
• Fall foliage season (October)
• Spring bloom (April-May)
• Occasional severe storms and flooding

Visiting Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers visitors rich historical experiences, diverse urban settings, and extensive outdoor recreation across its varied landscapes.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring:April-May (blooming season, moderate temperatures)
• Fall:September-October (foliage, harvest festivals)
• Summer:June-August (peak tourist season, outdoor activities)
• Winter:December-February (skiing in Poconos, holiday events)

Transportation

• Major Airports:Philadelphia International, Pittsburgh International, Harrisburg International
• Train:Amtrak Keystone and Pennsylvanian routes
• Highways:Interstate 76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), I-80, I-79, I-81, I-95
• Public Transit:SEPTA (Philadelphia), Port Authority (Pittsburgh)
• Intercity Bus:Multiple services

Accommodation

• Hotels:Major chains and boutique options in cities
• Historic Inns and B&Bs:Abundant in small towns
• Cabins:Available in state parks and mountain regions
• Campgrounds:Throughout state parks
• Resorts:Particularly in Pocono Mountains

Tourist Information

• Welcome Centers:Located along major highways
• Tourism Website:Visit PA
• Regional Tourism Offices
• Historic Site Visitor Centers

Popular Attractions

Pennsylvania features diverse attractions from historic sites to cultural landmarks, natural areas, and family destinations.

Historical Sites

• Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia)
• Gettysburg National Military Park
• Valley Forge National Historical Park
• Fallingwater (Frank Lloyd Wright)
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Brandywine Battlefield

Cultural Attractions

• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Carnegie Museums (Pittsburgh)
• The Andy Warhol Museum (Pittsburgh)
• Longwood Gardens
• Pennsylvania Dutch Country (Lancaster County)
• Strasburg Rail Road

Natural Areas

• Pocono Mountains
• Delaware Water Gap
• Pine Creek Gorge ("PA Grand Canyon")
• Presque Isle State Park (Erie)
• Ohiopyle State Park
• Ricketts Glen State Park

Family Destinations

• Hersheypark
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Sesame Place
• Kennywood Park (Pittsburgh)
• Please Touch Museum (Philadelphia)
• Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster)

History

Pennsylvania's rich history spans from Native American settlements through colonial founding, Revolutionary importance, industrial development, and modern significance.

Early History

• Native Peoples:Lenape, Susquehannock, Iroquois Confederacy
• European Settlement:1643 (Swedes, later William Penn)
• William Penn's "Holy Experiment":1681
• Colonial Development:1700s

Revolutionary Era

• Continental Congress:1774-1789
• Declaration of Independence:1776 in Philadelphia
• U.S. Constitution:Drafted in Philadelphia, 1787
• U.S. Capital:Philadelphia, 1790-1800
• Whiskey Rebellion:1794

Industrial Growth

• Industrial Revolution Center:Early 1800s
• Coal & Steel Production:Mid-1800s to mid-1900s
• Oil Discovery:1859 in Titusville
• Railroad Expansion
• Labor Movement Growth

Modern Era

• Industrial Decline:1970s-1980s
• Economic Diversification
• Technology and Healthcare Growth
• Urban Revitalization Efforts
• Energy Renaissance (Natural Gas)

State Symbols

Pennsylvania has designated various official state symbols that represent its natural heritage and cultural identity.

State Animals

• State Animal:

  White-tailed Deer
• State Bird:

  Ruffed Grouse
• State Fish:

  Brook Trout
• State Insect:

  Firefly
• State Dog:

  Great Dane

State Plants

• State Flower:

  Mountain Laurel
• State Tree:

  Eastern Hemlock
• State Beautification Plant:

  Penngift Crownvetch
• State Fossil:

  Phacops rana (trilobite)
• State Mushroom:

  Ganoderma tsugae (Hemlock Varnish Shelf)

Cultural Symbols

• State Flag:

  Commonwealth coat of arms on blue field
• State Song:

  "Pennsylvania"
• State Motto:

  "Virtue, Liberty and Independence"
• State Beverage:

  Milk
• State Colors:

  Blue and Gold

Other Symbols

• State Locomotive:

  K4s
• State Ship:

  United States Brig Niagara
• State Electric Locomotive:

  GG1
• State Steam Locomotive:

  K4s
• State Game Bird:

  Ruffed Grouse

State Facts

Pennsylvania holds numerous distinctive records and facts that highlight its historical and cultural significance.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  Mount Davis (3,213 ft)
• Lowest Point:

  Delaware River (sea level)
• Geographic Center:

  Centre County
• Land Area:

  44,816.61 sq mi
• Water Area:

  1,239.22 sq mi
• Major Rivers:

  Susquehanna, Ohio, Delaware, Allegheny, Monongahela

Records & Rankings

• 5th Most Populous State
• 33rd Largest State by Area
• First Presidential Mansion (Philadelphia)
• First Commercial Oil Well (1859)
• First Daily Newspaper (Philadelphia, 1784)
• First Zoo in U.S. (Philadelphia, 1874)

Notable Firsts

• First Stock Exchange in U.S. (1790)
• First Commercial Radio Broadcast (1920)
• First Little League Baseball Game (Williamsport, 1939)
• First Baseball Stadium (Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, 1909)
• First Computer (ENIAC, Philadelphia, 1946)
• First Automobile Service Station (Pittsburgh, 1913)

Unique Features

• Only "Commonwealth" in official name (with Kentucky, Massachusetts, Virginia)
• Nation's Oldest Gas Station (Altoona)
• World's First Pretzel Bakery (Lititz)
• Oldest Continuously Operating Theater (Walnut Street Theatre)
• Largest Amish Population in the U.S. (Lancaster County)
• First Baseball Stadium (Forbes Field)

Government & Politics

Pennsylvania operates under a state constitution with three branches of government and has historically been a politically competitive "swing state."

Governor

• Josh Shapiro (as of 2023)

Legislature

• Bicameral:State Senate (50 members) and House of Representatives (203 members)

Political Trends

• Classic "swing state" with urban-rural divide

Electoral Significance

• Critical presidential battleground state
• 19 Electoral votes (4th largest)
• Often considered must-win for presidential candidates
• History of split-ticket voting
• Regional political differences (Philadelphia/Pittsburgh vs. rural areas)

Time Zones

Pennsylvania is entirely within the Eastern Time Zone, with daylight saving time observed.

Standard Time

• Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC -5)

Daylight Saving

• Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC -4)

Time History

• Standardized time introduced with railroad expansion
• Borders Ohio (partially in Eastern Time)
• No exceptions or special time arrangements within the state

Education

Pennsylvania has a comprehensive educational system with a mix of public and private institutions and a strong focus on higher education.

Higher Education

• State System of Higher Education:14 universities
• State-Related Universities:Penn State, Pitt, Temple, Lincoln
• Private Research Universities:University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon, Lehigh
• Liberal Arts Colleges:Swarthmore, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, many others
• Community Colleges:14 institutions

K-12 Education

• Public School Districts:500
• Charter Schools:180+
• Private Schools:2,000+
• Cyber Charter Schools:Numerous options
• Technical and Career Schools:Extensive network

Educational Initiatives

• PAsmart Workforce Development
• Pre-K Counts Program
• Career and Technical Education Expansion
• STEM Education Initiatives
• Basic Education Funding Formula

Historical Significance

• First public school (1834 Public School Act)
• Oldest continuously operating university (University of Pennsylvania, 1740)
• Early adoption of compulsory education laws
• First school of veterinary medicine (Penn, 1884)
• First business school (Wharton, 1881)

Culture & Festivals

Pennsylvania's cultural identity reflects its diverse ethnic heritage, regional traditions, and blend of urban and rural influences.

Major Festivals

• Philadelphia Mummers Parade (New Year's Day)
• Central PA Festival of the Arts (State College)
• Musikfest (Bethlehem)
• Kutztown Folk Festival
• Pittsburgh Three Rivers Arts Festival
• Philadelphia Folk Festival
• Big Butler Fair

Cultural Events

• Pennsylvania Farm Show (Harrisburg)
• Philadelphia Flower Show
• Little League World Series (Williamsport)
• Bloomsburg Fair
• Punxsutawney Groundhog Day
• Devon Horse Show
• York Fair (America's oldest fair)

Regional Traditions

• Amish Culture and Crafts
• Polish, Italian, German, Irish Ethnic Festivals
• Schuylkill County Coal Region Traditions
• Philly Cheesesteak Culture
• Steel City Sports Traditions
• Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art
• Coal and Steel Heritage Celebrations

Performing Arts

• Philadelphia Orchestra
• Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
• Pennsylvania Ballet
• Walnut Street Theatre (oldest in nation)
• Philly Pops
• Pittsburgh Public Theater
• Regional Theater Companies

Sports & Teams

Pennsylvania has a passionate sports culture with major professional teams in its two largest cities and strong collegiate athletics.

Professional Teams - Philadelphia

• Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
• Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
• Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
• Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
• Philadelphia Union (MLS)

Professional Teams - Pittsburgh

• Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
• Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
• Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
• Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL Championship)

College Athletics

• Penn State Nittany Lions
• Pitt Panthers
• Temple Owls
• Villanova Wildcats
• Penn Quakers
• Saint Joseph's Hawks
• Lehigh Mountain Hawks

Notable Sporting Events

• Army-Navy Game (Philadelphia)
• Little League World Series (Williamsport)
• Penn Relays (Philadelphia)
• U.S. Open Golf (various courses)
• Pocono NASCAR Races
• Hershey Bears Hockey
• Pittsburgh Marathon

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Pennsylvania cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, with distinct regional specialties from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Dutch country.

Philadelphia Specialties

• Philly Cheesesteak
• Soft Pretzels
• Roast Pork Sandwich
• Water Ice
• Tastykake Products
• Scrapple
• Hoagies

Pennsylvania Dutch Foods

• Shoofly Pie
• Scrapple
• Chicken Pot Pie (PA Dutch style)
• Lebanon Bologna
• Schnitz un Knepp
• Whoopie Pies
• Apple Butter

Pittsburgh Specialties

• Primanti Brothers Sandwiches
• Pittsburgh Salad (with fries on top)
• Pierogies
• Chipped Chopped Ham
• Clark Bars
• Pittsburgh-style Steak
• Cookie Tables (wedding tradition)

Iconic Food Establishments & Products

• Hershey Chocolate
• Utz Potato Chips
• Heinz Ketchup
• Yuengling Brewery (America's oldest)
• Auntie Anne's Pretzels
• Herr's Snacks
• Turkey Hill Dairy Products

Infrastructure

Pennsylvania's infrastructure reflects its historical significance as a transportation hub and industrial center.

Transportation

• Interstate Highways:I-76 (PA Turnpike), I-80, I-79, I-81, I-95
• Railways:Extensive freight and passenger systems
• Ports:Port of Philadelphia, Port of Pittsburgh
• Airports:Philadelphia International, Pittsburgh International, 13 commercial service airports
• Public Transit:SEPTA (Philadelphia region), Port Authority (Pittsburgh region)
• Bridges:25,000+ (third most in nation)

Energy Systems

• Electrical Grid:PJM Interconnection
• Nuclear Power Plants:9 reactors at 5 plants
• Natural Gas:Marcellus Shale production
• Coal:Historically significant, still active
• Renewable Energy:Growing solar and wind capacity
• Pipelines:Extensive natural gas network

Water Management

• Major Watersheds:Delaware, Susquehanna, Ohio
• Water/Sewer Authorities:2,200+ systems
• Dams and Reservoirs:1,500+ regulated dams
• Flood Control Systems
• Chesapeake Bay Watershed Management
• Delaware River Basin Commission

Communications

• Broadband:Expanding rural coverage
• Cellular Networks:Major providers
• Public Broadcasting:PBS and NPR affiliates
• Emergency Services Communications
• Rural Broadband Initiatives
• Smart City Developments (Pittsburgh, Philadelphia)

Notable Historical Figures

Pennsylvania has been home to influential individuals who shaped state, national, and global history across many fields.

Founding Era

• William Penn (founder)
• Benjamin Franklin (polymath, founding father)
• Robert Morris (financier of American Revolution)
• James Wilson (Constitution signer)
• Betsy Ross (flag maker)
• Thomas Paine (revolutionary writer)

Political Leaders

• James Buchanan (15th U.S. President)
• Thaddeus Stevens (Civil War era congressman)
• Andrew Mellon (Treasury Secretary)
• Gifford Pinchot (conservationist, governor)
• K. Leroy Irvis (first African American speaker of state house)
• Ed Rendell (governor, mayor)

Industrial & Business Leaders

• Andrew Carnegie (steel industry)
• Henry Clay Frick (industrialist)
• Milton Hershey (chocolate manufacturer)
• Henry J. Heinz (food processing pioneer)
• George Westinghouse (engineer, entrepreneur)
• Rachel Carson (environmentalist)

Arts & Culture

• Andy Warhol (artist)
• Andrew Wyeth (painter)
• Marian Anderson (singer)
• August Wilson (playwright)
• Pearl Buck (author)
• Will Smith (actor)
• Taylor Swift (musician)

State Government Services

Pennsylvania's state government provides various services to residents through different departments and agencies.

Health & Human Services

• Department of Health
• Department of Human Services
• Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
• Department of Aging
• Office of Medical Marijuana
• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Education & Culture

• Department of Education
• Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)
• Historical and Museum Commission
• Council on the Arts
• State Library
• Public Television Network

Public Safety & Justice

• State Police
• Department of Corrections
• Emergency Management Agency
• Office of Attorney General
• Probation and Parole Board
• Commission on Crime and Delinquency

Transportation & Infrastructure

• Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
• Turnpike Commission
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST)
• Public Utility Commission
• Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Pennsylvania's rich history is preserved through significant documents and historic sites throughout the state.

Founding Documents

• Charter of Privileges (1701)
• Declaration of Independence (signed in Philadelphia, 1776)
• U.S. Constitution (drafted in Philadelphia, 1787)
• Pennsylvania Constitution (current version 1968)
• Articles of Confederation (adopted in York, 1777)
• Great Law of Pennsylvania (1682)

Historical Landmarks

• Independence Hall (Philadelphia)
• Liberty Bell
• Gettysburg Battlefield
• Valley Forge
• Washington Crossing Historic Park
• Drake Well Museum (Titusville)
• Fallingwater (Frank Lloyd Wright)

Archival Collections

• Pennsylvania State Archives
• Historical Society of Pennsylvania
• American Philosophical Society
• Library Company of Philadelphia
• Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
• University Archives (Penn, Penn State, others)
• Railroad Museums and Archives

Historic Districts

• Old City Philadelphia
• Germantown Historic District
• Bellefonte Historic District
• Gettysburg Historic District
• Pittsburgh's Strip District
• Jim Thorpe Historic District
• Bethlehem Historic District

Environmental Initiatives

Pennsylvania addresses environmental challenges related to its industrial past while working toward conservation and sustainability.

Conservation Programs

• Growing Greener Initiative
• Keystone Fund
• Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
• TreeVitalize
• Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program
• Farmland Preservation Program

Water Protection

• Chesapeake Bay Program
• Delaware River Basin Commission
• Abandoned Mine Drainage Remediation
• Source Water Protection Program
• Stream Restoration Projects
• Stormwater Management Programs

Energy & Climate

• Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards
• Climate Change Action Plan
• Energy Efficiency Programs
• Solar Future Plan
• Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Land Reclamation

• Brownfield Redevelopment
• Abandoned Mine Reclamation
• Land Recycling Program
• Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields Voluntary Cleanup Program
• Industrial Sites Reuse Program
• Illegal Dump Cleanup Program

Major Events & Conferences

Pennsylvania hosts numerous conferences, trade shows, and events centered around its key industries, educational institutions, and cultural interests.

Business & Industry

• Pennsylvania Farm Show
• Philadelphia Auto Show
• Pittsburgh International Auto Show
• Pennsylvania Manufacturing Week
• Marcellus Shale Coalition Conference
• Pennsylvania Economic Summit

Technology & Healthcare

• Philadelphia Bio Conference
• Pittsburgh Robotics Network Events
• Pennsylvania Health Care Association Conference
• Pennsylvania Biotech Conference
• Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo
• Life Sciences Future Conference

Education & Research

• Pennsylvania Educational Research Association Conference
• Pennsylvania School Boards Association Conference
• Pennsylvania Higher Education Council Conference
• Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association Conference
• University Research Symposiums
• Pennsylvania Library Association Conference

Arts & Culture

• Philadelphia Film Festival
• Three Rivers Arts Festival (Pittsburgh)
• Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Shows
• Keystone Comic Con
• Great Allentown Fair
• Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts