The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (i / ˌ p ɛ n s ɪ l ˈ v eɪ n j ə /) is a state A U.S. state is any one of 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of commonwealth rather than state. State citizenship is located in the Northeastern The Northeastern United States is a region of the United States. According to the definition used by the United States Census Bureau, the Northeast region consists of nine states: the New England states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut; and the Mid-Atlantic states of New York, New Jersey and and Middle Atlantic The Mid-Atlantic states, also called middle Atlantic states or simply the mid Atlantic, form a region of the United States generally located between New England and the South. Its exact definition differs upon source, but the region often includes Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and sometimes New York, Virginia and regions of the United States ^ b. English is the de facto language of American government and the sole language spoken at home by 80% of Americans age five and older. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language. The state borders Delaware Delaware is located in the northeastern portion of the Delmarva Peninsula and is the second smallest state in area . Estimates in 2007 rank the population of Delaware as 45th in the nation, but 6th in population density, with more than 60% of the population in New Castle County. Delaware is divided into three counties. From north to south, these and Maryland Maryland is a major center for life sciences research and development. With more than 350 biotechnology companies located there, Maryland is the third-largest nexus in this field in the United States to the south, West Virginia West Virginia became a state following the Wheeling Conventions, breaking away from Virginia during the American Civil War. The new state was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, and was a key Civil War border state. West Virginia was the only state to form by seceding from a Confederate state, and was one of only two states formed during the to the southwest, Ohio The government of Ohio is composed of the executive branch, led by the Governor; the legislative branch, which comprises the Ohio General Assembly; and the judicial branch, which is led by the Supreme Court. Currently, Ohio occupies 18 seats in the United States House of Representatives. Ohio is known for its status as both a swing state and a to the west, New York New York City, which is geographically the largest city in the state and most populous in the United States, is known for its history as a gateway for immigration to the United States and its status as a financial, cultural, transportation, and manufacturing center. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, it is also a destination of choice and Ontario, Canada Ontario is a province located in east-central Canada, the largest by population and second largest, after Quebec, in total area. (Nunavut and the Northwest Territories are larger but are not provinces.), to the north, and New Jersey The area was inhabited by Native Americans for more than 2,800 years, with historical tribes such as the Lenape along the coast. In the early 1600s, the Dutch and the Swedes made the first European settlements. The English later seized control of the region, naming it the Province of New Jersey. It was granted as a colony to Sir George Carteret to the east. The state's four most populous cities are Philadelphia Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth-most-populous city in the United States, Pittsburgh Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania, located in the United States, is the second-largest city in the state and is the county seat of Allegheny County. Its population was 334,563 at the 2000 census; by 2009, it was estimated to have fallen to 311,647. The population of the seven-county metropolitan area was 2,354,957 in 2009. Downtown Pittsburgh retains, Allentown Allentown is a city located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is Pennsylvania's third most populous city, after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 106,632, . It is also the county seat of Lehigh County and Erie Erie is an industrial city on the shore of Lake Erie in the northwestern corner of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Named for the lake and the Native American tribe that resided along its southern shore, Erie is the state's fourth largest city (after Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Allentown), with a population of 104,000. Erie's Metropolitan Area. The state capital is Harrisburg Harrisburg is the capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 48,950, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania, after Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Bethlehem and Lancaster.

Pennsylvania has 51 miles (82 km)[4] of coastline along Lake Erie Lake Erie (French: Lac Érié) is the fourth largest lake (by surface area) of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the thirteenth largest globally. It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. It is bounded on the north by the Canadian and 57 miles (92 km)[5] of shoreline along the Delaware The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States. The Delaware was explored by Adriaen Block as part of the New Netherlands Colony, and was named the South River to mark the southernmost reach of that colony Estuary.

Contents

Geography

Further information: Geography of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania's nickname, the Keystone State, derives from the fact that the state forms a geographic bridge both between the Northeastern states and the Southern states, and between the Atlantic seaboard and the Midwest. It even has a toehold on the Great Lakes. It is bordered on the north and northeast by New York; on the east, across the and List of Pennsylvania counties The following is a list of the sixty-seven counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the United States of America. The city of Philadelphia is coterminous with Philadelphia County, and governmental functions have been consolidated since 1854 Counties of Pennsylvania The following is a list of the sixty-seven counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the United States of America. The city of Philadelphia is coterminous with Philadelphia County, and governmental functions have been consolidated since 1854 Map of Pennsylvania, showing major cities and roads

Pennsylvania is 170 miles (274 km) north to south and 283 miles (455 km) east to west.[6] Of a total 46,055 square miles (119,282 km2), 44,817 square miles (116,075 km2) are land, 490 square miles (1,269 km2) are inland waters and 749 square miles (1,940 km2) are waters in Lake Erie.[7] It is the 33rd largest state This is a complete list of the states of the United States and its major territories ordered by total area, land area, and water area. The water area figures include inland, coastal, Great Lakes, and territorial waters. Glaciers and intermittent water features are counted as land area in the United States.[8]

The bounds of the state are the Mason-Dixon Line The Mason–Dixon Line was surveyed between 1763 and 1767 by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in the resolution of a border dispute between British colonies in Colonial America. It forms a demarcation line among four U.S. states, forming part of the borders of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia (then part of Virginia). In popular (39° 43' N) to the south, the Delaware River The Delaware River is a major river on the Atlantic coast of the United States. The Delaware was explored by Adriaen Block as part of the New Netherlands Colony, and was named the South River to mark the southernmost reach of that colony to the east, 80° 31' W to the west, and the 42° N The 42nd parallel north is a circle of latitude that is 42 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane to the north, with the exception of a short segment on the western end, where a triangle extends north to Lake Erie. Pennsylvania borders six other states: New York New York City, which is geographically the largest city in the state and most populous in the United States, is known for its history as a gateway for immigration to the United States and its status as a financial, cultural, transportation, and manufacturing center. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, it is also a destination of choice to the north; New Jersey The area was inhabited by Native Americans for more than 2,800 years, with historical tribes such as the Lenape along the coast. In the early 1600s, the Dutch and the Swedes made the first European settlements. The English later seized control of the region, naming it the Province of New Jersey. It was granted as a colony to Sir George Carteret to the east; Delaware Delaware is located in the northeastern portion of the Delmarva Peninsula and is the second smallest state in area . Estimates in 2007 rank the population of Delaware as 45th in the nation, but 6th in population density, with more than 60% of the population in New Castle County. Delaware is divided into three counties. From north to south, these and Maryland Maryland is a major center for life sciences research and development. With more than 350 biotechnology companies located there, Maryland is the third-largest nexus in this field in the United States to the southeast; West Virginia West Virginia became a state following the Wheeling Conventions, breaking away from Virginia during the American Civil War. The new state was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, and was a key Civil War border state. West Virginia was the only state to form by seceding from a Confederate state, and was one of only two states formed during the to the southwest, and Ohio The government of Ohio is composed of the executive branch, led by the Governor; the legislative branch, which comprises the Ohio General Assembly; and the judicial branch, which is led by the Supreme Court. Currently, Ohio occupies 18 seats in the United States House of Representatives. Ohio is known for its status as both a swing state and a to the west. Pennsylvania also shares a water border with Canada The land occupied by Canada was inhabited for millennia by various groups of Aboriginal peoples. Beginning in the late 15th century, British and French expeditions explored, and later settled, along the Atlantic coast. France ceded nearly all of its colonies in North America in 1763 after the Seven Years' War. In 1867, with the union of three.

It has the cities of Philadelphia, York, Reading Reading is a shithole city in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA, and seat of Berks County. Reading is now dominated by B Boro's own Wolf Pack, who currently rule the city with an iron paw.The center of the Greater Reading Area, it had a population of 81,207 in the 2000 census; by 2008, it was estimated to have fallen to 80,560, making it the fifth and Lancaster Lancaster is a city in the South Central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is the county seat of Lancaster County. With a population of 55,351, it is the eighth largest city in Pennsylvania, behind Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Bethlehem, and Scranton. The metropolitan area population stands at 494,486 making it in the southeast, Pittsburgh Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania, located in the United States, is the second largest city in the state and is the county seat of Allegheny County. Its population was 334,563 at the 2000 census; by 2006, it was estimated to have fallen to 312,819. The population of the seven-county metropolitan area is 2,462,571. Downtown Pittsburgh retains substantial in the southwest, the tri-cities of Allentown Allentown is a city located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is Pennsylvania's third most populous city, after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 106,632, . It is also the county seat of Lehigh County, Bethlehem Bethlehem is a city in Lehigh and Northampton Counties in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 71,329, , making it the sixth largest city in Pennsylvania, after Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading, and Easton Easton is a city in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The population was 26,263 as of the 2000 census, . It is the county seat of Northampton County in the central east (known as the Lehigh Valley The Lehigh Valley, also known as the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ metropolitan area and referred to locally as The Valley, officially is a metropolitan region consisting of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties in eastern Pennsylvania and Warren county on the western edge of New Jersey, in the United States), the tri-cities of Scranton Scranton is a city in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, United States. It is the county seat of Lackawanna County and the largest principal city in the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to figures released by the United States Census Bureau in 2000, the city had a total population of 76,415, Wilkes-Barre Wilkes-Barre is a city in Northeastern Pennsylvania, United States. It is the county seat of Luzerne County and the center of the Wyoming Valley. Founded in 1769 and formally incorporated in 1806, the city has an estimated population of 43,123, according to the 2000 census. Wilkes-Barre is one of the two cities of the Scranton-Wilkes Barre,, and Hazleton Hazleton is a city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 23,329 at the 2000 census in the northeast, and Erie Erie is an industrial city on the shore of Lake Erie in the northwestern corner of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Named for the lake and the Native American tribe that resided along its southern shore, Erie is the state's fourth largest city (after Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Allentown), with a population of 104,000. Erie's Metropolitan Area in the northwest, with state capital Harrisburg Harrisburg is the capital of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 48,950, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania, after Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Bethlehem and Lancaster on the Susquehanna River in the central region of the commonwealth.

Climate

Main article: Climate of Pennsylvania The climate of Pennsylvania is diverse due to the multitude of geographic features found within the state. Straddling two major climate zones, the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania has the warmest climate. Greater Philadelphia lies at the southernmost tip of the Humid continental climate zone, with some characteristics of the Humid subtropical

Pennsylvania's diverse topography also produces a variety of climates. Straddling two major zones, the majority of the state, with the exception of the southeastern corner, has a humid continental climate The humid continental climate is a climate found over large areas of landmasses in the temperate regions of the mid-latitudes where there is a zone of conflict between polar and tropical air masses. The humid continental climate is marked by variable weather patterns and a large seasonal temperature variance. Summers are often warm and humid with. Greater Philadelphia Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth-most-populous city in the United States has some characteristics of the humid subtropical climate A Humid subtropical climate is a climate zone characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters. This climate type covers a broad category of climates, and the term "subtropical" may be a misnomer for the winter climate that covers much of Delaware Delaware is located in the northeastern portion of the Delmarva Peninsula and is the second smallest state in area . Estimates in 2007 rank the population of Delaware as 45th in the nation, but 6th in population density, with more than 60% of the population in New Castle County. Delaware is divided into three counties. From north to south, these and Maryland Maryland is a major center for life sciences research and development. With more than 350 biotechnology companies located there, Maryland is the third-largest nexus in this field in the United States to the south. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the climate becomes markedly colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and winter snowfall amounts are greater. Western areas of the state, particularly cities near Lake Erie, can receive over 100 inches (254 cm) of snowfall annually, and the entire state receives plentiful precipitation throughout the year. The state may be subject to severe weather from spring through summer into fall, as an average of 10 tornadoes touch down each year in the state.

Monthly Normal High and Low Temperatures For Various Pennsylvania Cities in Fahrenheit
City Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Scranton 34/18 37/20 47/28 59/38 71/48 78/57 83/61 81/60 72/53 61/42 49/34 39/24
Erie 33/20 36/21 45/28 56/38 67/49 76/59 80/64 79/63 72/56 61/46 49/36 39/27
Pittsburgh 37/20 39/21 50/29 62/38 71/48 80/56 85/62 83/60 76/53 64/41 53/33 42/25
Harrisburg 38/23 41/25 51/33 63/42 73/51 81/61 86/66 84/64 76/57 64/45 53/36 42/28
Philadelphia 39/25 42/28 51/35 62/44 72/55 81/64 86/70 84/69 77/61 66/49 55/40 44/31
Allentown 35/19 39/21 49/29 60/38 71/48 79/58 84/63 82/61 74/53 63/41 51/33 40/24
East Stroudsburg 35/16 39/17 49/26 61/36 72/46 80/55 85/59 83/58 75/50 64/38 51/30 40/22
Philadelphia, Brooklyn,New York, Harrisburg,

Pittsburgh, Erie, Allentown, East Stroudsburg
See also: Climate change in Pennsylvania

History

Main article: History of Pennsylvania See also: Province of Pennsylvania John Dickinson

Before the Commonwealth was settled by Europeans, the area was home to the Delaware (also known as Lenni Lenape), Susquehannock, Iroquois, Eriez, Shawnee, and other American Indian Nations.[9] Both the Dutch and the English claimed both sides of the Delaware River as part of their colonial lands in America.[10][11][12] The Dutch were the first to take possession, and this has impact on the history of Pennsylvania.[13] By June 3, 1631, the Dutch had started up the DelMarVa Peninsula by establishing the Zwaanendael Colony on the site of present day Lewes, Delaware.[14] In 1638, Sweden heated up the issue by establishing the New Sweden Colony, centered on Fort Christina, on the site of present day Wilmington, Delaware. New Sweden claimed and, for the most part, controlled the lower Delaware River region (Parts of present Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania), but settled few colonists there.[15][16]

On March 12, 1664, King Charles II of England gave James, Duke of York a Grant that included all of the lands included in the original Virginia Company of Plymouth Grant as well as other lands. This grant was – again – in conflict with the Dutch claim for New Netherland, which included parts of today’s Pennsylvania.[17]

On June 24, 1664, The Duke of York sold the portion of his large grant that included present day New Jersey to John Berkeley and George Carteret for a proprietary colony. As of yet, the land was not in English possession, but the sale boxed in the portion of New Netherland on the West side of the Delaware River. The English conquest of New Netherland was commenced on August 29, 1664, when New Amsterdam was coerced to surrender facing the cannons on English ships in New York Harbor.[18][19] This conquest continued, and was completed in October of 1664, when the English captured Fort Casimir in what today is New Castle, Delaware.

The Peace of Breda between England, France and the Netherlands confirmed the English conquest on July 21, 1667,[20][21] although there were temporary reversions.

On September 12, 1672, as part of the Third Anglo—Dutch War, the Dutch re-conquered New York Colony/New Amsterdam, the Dutch established three County Courts which went on to become original Counties in present day Delaware and Pennsylvania. The one that later transferred to Pennsylvania was Upland.[22] This was partially reversed on February 9, 1674, when the Treaty of Westminster ended the Third Anglo-Dutch War, and reverted all political situations to the Status Quo Ante Bellum. The English retained the Dutch Counties with their Dutch names.[23] By June 11, 1674, New York reasserted control over the outlying colonies, including Upland, but the names started to be changed to English names by November 11, 1674.[24] Upland was partitioned on November 12, 1674, producing the general outline of the current border between Pennsylvania and Delaware.[25]

On February 28, 1681, Charles II granted a land charter[26] to William Penn to repay a debt of £16,000[27] (around £2,100,000 in 2008, adjusting for retail inflation)[28] owed to William's father, Admiral Penn. This was one of the largest land grants to an individual in history.[29] It was called Pennsylvania, meaning "Penn's Woods", in honor of Admiral Penn. William Penn, who had wanted his province to be named "Sylvania", was embarrassed at the change, fearing that people would think he had named it after himself, but King Charles would not rename the grant. Penn established a government with two innovations that were much copied in the New World: the county commission and freedom of religious conviction.[29]

What had been Upland on what became the Pennsylvania side of the Pennsylvania-Delaware Border was renamed as Chester County when Pennsylvania instituted their colonial governments on March 4, 1681.[30][31]

Between 1730 and when it was shut down by Parliament with the Currency Act of 1764, the Pennsylvania Colony made its own paper money to account for the shortage of actual gold and silver. The paper money was called Colonial Scrip. The Colony issued "bills of credit", which were as good as gold or silver coins because of their legal tender status. Since they were issued by the government and not a banking institution, it was an interest-free proposition, largely defraying the expense of the government and therefore taxation of the people. It also promoted general employment and prosperity, since the Government used discretion and did not issue too much to inflate the currency. Benjamin Franklin had a hand in creating this currency, of which he said its utility was never to be disputed, and it also met with the "cautious approval" of Adam Smith.[32]

President's House, Philadelphia. The Masters-Penn mansion housed Pennsylvania's governor in the early 1770s. It later served as the presidential mansion of George Washington and John Adams, 1790-1800, while Philadelphia was the temporary national capital.

After the Stamp Act Congress of 1765, Delegate John Dickinson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, wrote the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. The Congress was the first meeting of the thirteen colonies, called at the request of the Massachusetts Assembly, but only nine colonies sent delegates.[33] Dickinson then wrote Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, To the Inhabitants of the British Colonies, which were published in the Pennsylvania Chronicle between December 2, 1767, and February 15, 1768.[34]

When the Founding Fathers of the United States convened in Philadelphia in 1774, 12 colonies sent representatives to the First Continental Congress.[35] The Second Continental Congress, which also met in Philadelphia (in May, 1775), drew up and signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia,[36] but when that city was captured by the British, the Continental Congress escaped westward, meeting at the Lancaster courthouse on Saturday, September 27, 1777, and then to York. There they drew up the Articles of Confederation that formed 13 independent colonies into a new nation. Later, the Constitution was written, and Philadelphia was once again chosen to be cradle to the new American Nation.[37]

Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 12, 1787,[38] five days after Delaware became the first.

Dickinson College of Carlisle was the first college founded in the United States. Established in 1773, the college was ratified five days after the Treaty of Paris on September 9, 1783. The school was founded by Benjamin Rush and named after John Dickinson.

The "Redbrick Capitol", used from 1821 until it burned down in 1897

For half a century, the Commonwealth's legislature met at various places in the general Philadelphia area before starting to meet regularly in Independence Hall in Philadelphia for 63 years.[39] But it needed a more central location, as for example the Paxton Boys massacres of 1763 had made the legislature aware. So, in 1799 the legislature moved to the Lancaster Courthouse,[39] and finally in 1812 to Harrisburg.[39] The legislature met in the old Dauphin County Court House until December 1821,[39] when the Redbrick Capitol was finished. It burned down in 1897, presumably because of a faulty flue.[39] The legislature met at Grace Methodist Church on State Street (still standing) until the present capitol was finished in 1907.[39]

The new state Capitol drew rave reviews.[39] Its dome was inspired by the domes of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the United States Capitol.[39] President Theodore Roosevelt called it "the most beautiful state Capitol in the nation" and said, "It's the handsomest building I ever saw" at the dedication. In 1989, the New York Times praised it as "grand, even awesome at moments, but it is also a working building, accessible to citizens ... a building that connects with the reality of daily life".[39]

Pennsylvania accounts for nine percent of all wooded areas in the United States. In 1923 President Calvin Coolidge established the Allegheny National Forest under the authority of the Weeks Act of 1911 in the northwest part of the state in Elk, Forest, McKean, and Warren Counties for the purposes of timber production and watershed protection in the Allegheny River basin. The Allegheny is the state's only national forest.

James Buchanan, of Franklin County, was the only bachelor President of the United States[40] and the only one to be born in Pennsylvania. The Battle of Gettysburg—-the major turning point of the Civil War—took place near Gettysburg.[41] An estimated 350,000 Pennsylvanians served in the Union Army forces along with 8,600 African American military volunteers.

Pennsylvania was also the home of the first commercially drilled oil well. In 1859, near Titusville, Pennsylvania, Edwin L. Drake successfully drilled the well, which led to the first major oil boom in United States history.

See also: List of Pennsylvania firsts and List of people from Pennsylvania

Demographics

Further information: List of people from Pennsylvania
Demographics of Pennsylvania (csv)
By race White Black AIAN* Asian NHPI*
2000 (total population) 87.60% 10.71% 0.43% 2.04% 0.07%
2000 (Hispanic only) 2.74% 0.44% 0.06% 0.03% 0.02%
2005 (total population) 86.83% 11.20% 0.45% 2.46% 0.09%
2005 (Hispanic only) 3.52% 0.53% 0.07% 0.05% 0.02%
Growth 2000–05 (total population) 0.32% 5.83% 5.64% 22.23% 18.99%
Growth 2000–05 (non-Hispanic only) -0.64% 5.21% 2.77% 21.86% 14.13%
Growth 2000–05 (Hispanic only) 29.86% 20.24% 23.61% 45.64% 35.44%
* AIAN is American Indian or Alaskan Native; NHPI is Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

The center of population of Pennsylvania is located in Perry County, in the borough of Duncannon.[42]

Populations from 1790 to 2000 Pennsylvania Population Distribution

As of 2006, Pennsylvania has an estimated population of 12,440,621, which is an increase of 35,273 from the previous year, and an increase of 159,567 since the year 2000. Net migration from other states resulted in a decrease of 27,718, and immigration from other countries resulted in an increase of 126,007. Net migration to the Commonwealth was 98,289. Migration of native Pennsylvanians resulted in a decrease of 100,000 people. In 2006, 5.00% of Pennsylvanians were foreign born (621,480 people).[43] The state has an estimated 2005 poverty rate of 11.9%.[44] The state also has the 3rd highest proportion of elderly (65+) citizens in 2005.[44]

Foreign-born Pennsylvanians are largely from Asia (36.0%), Europe (35.9%), Latin America (30.6%), Africa (5%), North America (3.1%), and Oceania (0.4%).

Pennsylvania's reported population of Hispanics, especially among the Asian, Hawaiian and White races, has markedly increased in recent years.[45] The Hispanic population is greatest in Allentown, Lancaster, Reading, Hazleton, and around Philadelphia, with over 20% being Hispanic. It is not clear how much of this change reflects a changing population and how much reflects increased willingness to self-identify minority status. As of 2010, it is estimated that about 85% of all Hispanics in Pennsylvania live within a 150 miles radius of Philadelphia, and about 20% within the city itself.

Pennsylvania's population was reported as 5.9% under 5 and 23.8% under 18, with 15.6% aged 65 or older. Females made up 51.7% of the population.[46] The largest ancestry groups are listed below, expressed as a percentage of total people who responded with a particular ancestry for the 2006-2008 census:[47]

The five largest estimated ancestry groups in Pennsylvania are: German (28.5%), Irish (18.2%), Italian (12.8%), English (8.5%) and Polish (7.2%).

Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1790 434,373 —
1800 602,365 38.7%
1810 810,091 34.5%
1820 1,049,458 29.5%
1830 1,348,233 28.5%
1840 1,724,033 27.9%
1850 2,311,786 34.1%
1860 2,906,215 25.7%
1870 3,521,951 21.2%
1880 4,282,891 21.6%
1890 5,258,113 22.8%
1900 6,302,115 19.9%
1910 7,665,111 21.6%
1920 8,720,017 13.8%
1930 9,631,350 10.5%
1940 9,900,180 2.8%
1950 10,498,012 6.0%
1960 11,319,366 7.8%
1970 11,793,909 4.2%
1980 11,863,895 0.6%
1990 11,881,643 0.1%
2000 12,281,054 3.4%
Est. 2009 12,604,767 [2] 2.6%

Religion

“ The new sovereign also enacted several wise and wholesome laws for his colony, which have remained invariably the same to this day. The chief is, to ill–treat no person on account of religion, and to consider as brethren all those who believe in one God. - Voltaire, speaking of William Penn[48] ”

Of all the colonies, only in Rhode Island was religious freedom as secure as in Pennsylvania, and one result was an incredible religious diversity, one which continues to this day.[49]

Pennsylvania's population in 2000 was 12,281,054. Of these, 8,448,193 were estimated to belong to some sort of organized religion. According to the Association of religion data archives at Pennsylvania State University, reliable data exists for 7,116,348 religious adherents in Pennsylvania in 2000 following 115 different faiths.[50] Their affiliations, including percentage of all adherents, were:[51]

While Pennsylvania has a very numerous Amish population, Holmes County, Ohio has the largest Amish population in the world.[52] While Pennsylvania owes its existence to Quakers and many of the older trappings of the Commonwealth are rooted in the teachings of the Religious Society of Friends (as they are officially known), practicing Quakers are a small minority today.

Pennsylvania Dutch

The term "Dutch," when referring to the Pennsylvania Dutch, means "German" or "Teutonic" rather than "Netherlander." Germans, in their own language, call themselves "Deutsch," which in English became, misleadingly, "Dutch."[53] The Pennsylvania Dutch language is a descendant of German, in the West Central German dialect family. Although it is still spoken as a first language among some Old Order Amish and Mennonites (principally in the Lancaster County area), the language is almost extinct as an everyday language among the non-religious, though a few words have passed into English usage.

Economy

Pennsylvania's 2008 total gross state product (GSP) of $553.3 billion[54] ranks the state 6th in the nation. If Pennsylvania were an independent country, its economy would rank as the 18th largest in the world. On a per-capita basis, Pennsylvania's per-capita GSP of $35,641 ranks 26th among the 50 states.[54]

Bethlehem Steel's closed manufacturing facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This site became the site of the new multi-million dollar Sands Casino Resort in 2009.

Philadelphia in the southeast corner, Pittsburgh in the southwest corner, Erie in the northwest corner, Scranton-Wilkes-Barre in the northeast corner, and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton in the east central region are urban manufacturing centers. Much of the Commonwealth is rural; this dichotomy affects state politics as well as the state economy.[55] Philadelphia is home to six Fortune 500 companies,[56] with more located in suburbs like King of Prussia; it's a leader in the financial[57] and insurance industry.

Pittsburgh is home to eight Fortune 500 companies, including U.S. Steel, PPG Industries, and H.J. Heinz.[56] In all, Pennsylvania is home to fifty Fortune 500 companies.[56]

As in the US as a whole and in most states, the largest private employer in the Commonwealth is Wal-Mart, followed by the University of Pennsylvania.[58]

As of January 2010, the state's unemployment rate is 8.8%.[59]

Banking

The first nationally chartered bank in the United States, the Bank of North America, was founded in 1781 in Philadelphia. After a series of mergers, the Bank of North America is part of Wachovia, which uses national charter 1. It is not known if the Bank of North America's charter will be retained after March 2010 when Wells Fargo, which acquired Wachovia in 2008, consolidates its own charter and Wachovia's under the name Wells Fargo, N.A.

Pennsylvania is also the home to the first nationally-chartered bank under the 1863 National Banking Act. That year, the Pittsburgh Savings & Trust Company received a national charter and renamed itself the First National Bank of Pittsburgh as part of the National Banking Act. That bank is still in existence today as PNC Financial Services, and remains based in Pittsburgh. PNC is the state's largest bank, and the fifth-largest in the United States.

Agriculture

Pennsylvania ranks 19th overall in agricultural production,[60] but 1st in mushrooms, 3rd in Christmas trees and layer chickens, 4th in nursery and sod, milk, corn for silage, grapes grown (including juice grapes),[61] and horses production. It also ranks 8th in the nation in Winemaking.[61]

Gambling

Casino gambling was recently legalized in Pennsylvania. Currently, there are 9 casinos across the state with 3 under construction or in planning. Only horse racing, slot machines, and electronic table games are legal in Pennsylvania, although a bill to legalize table games was being negotiated in the fall of 2009.[62] Tables games such as poker, roulette, black jack and dice were finally approved by the state legislature in January 2010, being signed into law by the Governor on January 7. Sports betting is illegal.

Governor Ed Rendell has considered legalizing video poker machines in bars and private clubs, since an estimated 17,000 operate illegally across the state.[63] Under this plan, any establishment with a liquor license would be allowed up to 5 machines. All machines would be connected to the state's computer system, like commercial casinos. The state would impose a 50% tax on net gambling revenues, after winning players have been paid, with the remaining 50% going to the establishment owners.

Politics

Presidential elections results[64]
Year Republican Democratic
2008 44.15% 2,655,885 54.47% 3,276,363
2004 48.42% 2,793,847 50.92% 2,938,095
2000 46.43% 2,281,127 50.60% 2,485,967
1996 39.97% 1,801,169 49.17% 2,215,819
1992 36.13% 1,791,841 45.15% 2,239,164
1988 50.70% 2,300,087 48.39% 2,194,944
1984 53.34% 2,584,323 45.99% 2,228,131
1980 49.59% 2,261,872 42.48% 1,937,540
1976 47.73% 2,205,604 50.40% 2,328,677
1972 59.11% 2,714,521 39.13% 1,796,951
1968 44.02% 2,090,017 47.59% 2,259,405
1964 34.70% 1,673,657 64.92% 3,130,954
1960 48.74% 2,439,956 51.06% 2,556,282
Voter Registration and Party Enrollment as of June 28, 2010[65]
Party Number of Voters Percentage
Democratic 4,309,604 51.00%
Republican 3,122,036 36.95%
Unaffiliated 492,077 5.82%
Minor Parties 525,962 6.22%
Total 8,449,679 100%

Government

Main article: Government of Pennsylvania See also: Commonwealth (U.S. state)

Pennsylvania has had five constitutions during its statehood:[66] 1776, 1790, 1838, 1874, and 1968. Prior to that, the province of Pennsylvania was governed for a century by a Frame of Government, of which there were four versions: 1682, 1683, 1696, and 1701.[66] The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg. The legislature meets in the State Capitol there.

In recent elections, Pennsylvania has leaned Democratic, but some say that will change in the 2010 election. The defeat of Incumbent Senator Arlen Specter in the Pennsylvania Primary is claimed to have been the first step of a Republican takeover, but this is only speculation. In the fall, Joe Sestak will run against Pat Toomey for Specter's senate seat.

Governor

Main article: Governor of Pennsylvania

The current Governor is Ed Rendell, a former head of the Democratic National Committee who began as a District Attorney and mayor in Philadelphia.[67] The other elected officials composing the executive branch are the Lieutenant Governor Joseph Scarnati, Attorney General Tom Corbett, Auditor General Jack Wagner, and State Treasurer Robert McCord.[68]

See also: List of Pennsylvania state agencies

General Assembly

Main article: Pennsylvania General Assembly

Pennsylvania has a bicameral legislature set up by Commonwealth's constitution in 1790. The original Frame of Government of William Penn had a unicameral legislature.[69] The General Assembly includes 50 Senators[70] and 203 Representatives.[71] Joseph B. Scarnati III is currently President Pro Tempore of the State Senate,[72] Dominic Pileggi the Majority Leader,[73] and Robert J. Mellow the Minority Leader.[74] Keith R. McCall is Speaker of the House of Representatives,[75] with Todd A. Eachus as Majority Leader[76] and Samuel Smith as Minority Leader.[77] As of the 2008 elections, the Democrats have a narrow majority in the state house and the Republicans retain their lead in the state senate.

Judiciary

Main article: Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is divided into 60 judicial districts,[78] most of which (except Philadelphia) have magisterial district judges (formerly called district justices and justices of the peace), who preside mainly over preliminary hearings in felony and misdemeanor offenses, all minor (summary) criminal offenses, and small civil claims.[78] Most criminal and civil cases originate in the Courts of Common Pleas, which also serve as appellate courts to the district judges and for local agency decisions.[78] The Superior Court hears all appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas not expressly designated to the Commonwealth Court or Supreme Court. It also has original jurisdiction to review warrants for wiretap surveillance.[78] The Commonwealth Court is limited to appeals from final orders of certain state agencies and certain designated cases from the Courts of Common Pleas.[78] The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the final appellate court. All judges in Pennsylvania are elected; the chief justice is determined by seniority.[78]

Taxation

Sales tax provides 39% of Commonwealth's revenue; personal income tax 34%; motor vehicle taxes about 12%, and taxes on cigarettes and alcohol beverage 5%.[79]

Personal income tax is a flat 3.07%. An individual's taxable income is based on the following eight types of income: compensation (salary); interest; dividends; net profits from the operation of a business, profession or farm; net gains or income from the dispositions of property; net gains or income from rents, royalties, patents and copyrights; income derived through estates or trusts; and gambling and lottery winnings (other than Pennsylvania Lottery winnings).[80]

Counties, municipalities, and school districts levy taxes on real estate. In addition, some local bodies assess a wage tax on personal income. Generally, the total wage tax rate is capped at 1% of income but some municipalities with home rule charters may charge more than 1%. Thirty-two of the Commonwealth's sixty-seven counties levy a personal property tax on stocks, bonds, and similar holdings.

Representation in the 111th Congress

Pennsylvania's two U.S. Senators in the 111th Congress are Arlen Specter and Bob Casey, Jr.

Pennsylvania's U.S. Representatives for the term beginning January 2009 are Robert Brady (1st), Chaka Fattah (2nd), Kathy Dahlkemper (3rd), Jason Altmire (4th), Glenn "G.T." Thompson (5th), Jim Gerlach (6th), Joe Sestak (7th), Patrick Murphy (8th), Bill Shuster (9th), Chris Carney (10th), Paul E. Kanjorski (11th), Mark Critz (12th), Allyson Schwartz (13th), Michael F. Doyle (14th), Charlie Dent (15th), Joe Pitts (16th), Tim Holden (17th), Tim Murphy (18th), and Todd Russell Platts (19th).[81]

See map of congressional districts

Regional strength

In the past decade, no political party has been clearly dominant in Pennsylvania. This, combined with Pennsylvania's rank of 6th in the country in population, has made it one of the most important swing states. Democrats are strong in Philadelphia County, Delaware County, Erie County, Allegheny County, Lehigh County, Northampton County, Luzerne County, and Lackawanna County. Republicans are strong in Lancaster County, York County, Franklin County, Westmoreland County, Butler County, Blair County, Lycoming County, and Cumberland County. Swing counties in the state include Bucks County, Chester County, Berks County, Dauphin County, Cambria County, Beaver County, and Mercer County. In general, the Democrats are strongest in the large metro areas, particularly Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, and Allentown, while Republican support is widespread in rural areas in the central Allegheny Mountains and in the northern counties.

Since 1992, Pennsylvania has been trending Democratic in Presidential elections (though the Pittsburgh metropolitan area trended more Republican in the 2008 Presidential election), voting for Bill Clinton twice by large margins, and slightly closer in 2000 for Al Gore. In the 2004 Presidential Election, Senator John F. Kerry beat President George W. Bush in Pennsylvania 2,938,095 (50.92%) to 2,793,847 (48.42%). Most recently, in the 2008 Presidential Election, Democrat Barack Obama defeated Republican John McCain in Pennsylvania, 3,184,778 (54%) to 2,584,088 (44%). The state holds 21 electoral votes.[44]

Further information: Political party strength in Pennsylvania

Municipalities

See also: List of cities in Pennsylvania, List of counties in Pennsylvania, and List of towns and boroughs in Pennsylvania The skyline of Philadelphia, the largest city and county in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is divided into 67 counties.[82] Counties are further subdivided into municipalites that are either incorporated as cities, boroughs, or townships.[83] One county, Philadelphia County, is coterminus with the city of Philadelphia after it was consolidated in 1854.

There are a total of 56 cities in Pennsylvania, which are classified, by population, as either first, second, or third class cities.[82][84] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's largest city, has a population of 1,547,297 and is the state's only first class city.[83] Pittsburgh (311,647) and Scranton (71,944) are second class and second class 'A' cities, respectively.[83] The rest of the cities, like the third and fourth largest—Allentown (107,815) and Erie (103,571)—to the smallest—Parker with a population of only 738—are third class cities.[85] First and second class cities are governed by a "strong mayor" form of mayor–council government, whereas third class cities are governed by either a "weak mayor" form of government or a council–manager government.[83]

The skyline of Pittsburgh, the second largest city in Pennsylvania

Boroughs are generally smaller than cities, with most Pennsylvania cities having been incorporated as a borough before being incorporated as a city.[83] There are 958 boroughs in Pennsylvania, all of which governed by the "weak mayor" form of mayor–council government.[82][83]

Townships are the third type of municipality in Pennsylvania and are classified as either first class or second class townships. There are 1,454 second class townships and 93 first class townships.[86] Second class township can become first class townships if it has a population density greater than 300 inhabitants per square mile (120 /km2) and a referendum is passed supporting the change.[86]

There is one exception to the types of municipalities in Pennsylvania: Bloomsburg was incorporated as a town in 1870 and is, officially, the only town in the state.[87] In 1975, McCandless Township adopted a home-rule charter under the name of "Town of McCandless", but is, legally, still a first class township.[88]

Education

Main article: Education in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has 500 public school districts, thousands of private schools, publicly funded colleges and universities, and over 100 private institutions of higher education.

Primary and secondary education

In general, under state law, school attendance in Pennsylvania is mandatory for a child from the age of 8 until the age of 17, or until graduation from an accredited high school, whichever is earlier.[89] As of 2005, 83.8% of Pennsylvania residents age 18 to 24 have completed high school. Among residents age 25 and over, 86.7% have graduated from high school. Additionally, 25.7% have gone on to obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher.[90] State students consistently do well in standardized testing. In 2007, Pennsylvania ranked 14th in mathematics, 12th in reading, and 10th in writing for 8th grade students.[91]

In 1988, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 169, which allows parents or guardians to homeschool their children as an option for compulsory school attendance. This law specifies the requirements and responsibilities of the parents and the school district where the family lives.[92]

The University of Pennsylvania quadrangle in autumn.

Higher education

See Also: List of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania

There are dozens of colleges and universities throughout the state. Four are members of the Association of American Universities, an invitation only organization of leading research universities: Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh.

Recreation

Pennsylvania is home to the nation's first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo.[93] Other long-accredited AZA zoos include the Erie Zoo and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. The Lehigh Valley Zoo and ZOOAMERICA are other notable zoos. The Commonwealth boasts some of the finest museums in the country, including the Carnegie Museums in Pittsburgh, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and several others. One unique museum is the Houdini Museum in Scranton, the only building in the world devoted to the legendary magician.[94] Pennsylvania is also home to the National Aviary, located in Pittsburgh.

All 121 state parks in Pennsylvania feature free admission.

Pennsylvania offers a number of notable amusement parks, including Camel Beach, Conneaut Lake Park, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Dutch Wonderland, DelGrosso Amusement Park, Hersheypark, Idlewild Park, Kennywood, Knoebels, Lakemont Park, Sandcastle Waterpark, Sesame Place, Great Wolf Lodge and Waldameer Park. Pennsylvania also is home to the largest indoor waterpark resort on the East Coast, Splash Lagoon in Erie.

There are also notable music festivals that take place in Pennsylvania. These include Musikfest and NEARfest in Bethlehem, the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Creation Festival, the Great Allentown Fair, and Purple Door.

There are nearly one million licensed hunters in Pennsylvania. Whitetail deer, cottontail rabbits, squirrel, turkey, and grouse are common game species. Pennsylvania is considered one of the finest wild turkey hunting states in the Union, alongside Texas and Alabama. Sport hunting in Pennsylvania provides a massive boost for the Commonwealth's economy. A report from The Center for Rural Pennsylvania (a Legislative Agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly) reported that hunting, fishing, and furtaking generated a total of $9.6 billion statewide.

The Boone and Crockett Club shows that five of the ten largest (skull size) black bear entries came from the state.[95] The state also has a tied record for the largest hunter shot black bear in the Boone & Crockett books at 733 lb (332 kg) and a skull of 23 3/16 tied with a bear shot in California in 1993.[95] The largest bear ever found dead was in Utah in 1975, and the second largest was shot by a poacher in the state in 1987.[95] Pennsylvania holds the second highest number of Boone & Crockett-recorded record black bears at 183, second only to Wisconsin's 299.[95]

Transportation

See also: List of airports in Pennsylvania Exterior Interior The Allegheny Mountain Tunnel is the longest of the five tunnels on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, abbreviated as PennDOT, owns 39,861 miles (64,150 km) of the 121,770 miles (195,970 km) of roadway in the state, making it the fifth largest state highway system in the United States.[96] The Pennsylvania Turnpike system is 535 miles (861 km) long, with the mainline portion stretching from Ohio to Philadelphia and New Jersey.[96] It is overseen by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Another major east–west route is Interstate 80, whichs runs primarily in the northern tier of the state from Ohio to New Jersey at the Delaware Water Gap. Interstate 90 travels the relatively short distance between Ohio and New York through Erie County, in the extreme northwestern part of the state.

Primary north–south highways are Interstate 79 from its terminus in Erie through Pittsburgh to West Virginia, Interstate 81 from New York through Scranton, Lackawanna County and Harrisburg to Maryland and Interstate 476, which begins 7 miles (11 km) north of the Delaware border, in Chester, Delaware County and travels 132 miles (212 km) to Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County, where it joins I-81. All but 20 miles (32 km) of I-476 is the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, while the highway south of the main line of the Pennsylvania Turnpike is officially called the "Veterans Memorial Highway", but is commonly referred to by locals as the "Blue Route".

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth largest transit agency in the United States and operates the commuter, heavy and light rail transit, and transit bus service in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The Port Authority of Allegheny County is the 25th largest transit agency and provides transit bus and light rail service in and around Pittsburgh.[97]

Intercity passenger rail transit is provided by Amtrak, with the majority of traffic occurring on the Keystone Service in the high-speed Keystone Corridor between Harrisburg and Philadelphia's 30th Street Station before heading north to New York City; the Pennsylvanian follows the same route from New York City to Harrisburg, but extends out to Pittsburgh. The Capitol Limited also passes through Pittsburgh, as well as Connellsville, on its way from Chicago to Washington, D.C.[98] Traveling between Chicago and New York City, the Lake Shore Limited passes through Erie once in each direction.[98] There are 67 short-line, freight railroads operating in Pennsylvania, the highest number in any U.S. state.[98]

Pennsylvania has six major airports: Philadelphia International, Pittsburgh International, Lehigh Valley International, Harrisburg International, Erie International, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International. A total of 134 public-use airport are located in the state.[98] The port of Pittsburgh is the second largest inland port in the United States and the 18th largest port overall; the Port of Philadelphia is the 24th largest port in the United States.[99] Pennsylvania's only port on the Great Lakes is located in Erie.

Sports

Main article: Pennsylvania sports Further information: List of people from Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to many professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer, the Erie Bayhawks of the National Basketball Association Development League, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League, and the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League. Among them, these teams have accumulated 7 World Series Championships (Pirates 5, Phillies 2), 16 National League Pennants, 3 pre-Super Bowl era NFL Championships (Eagles), 6 Super Bowl Championships (Steelers), 1 Arena Bowl Championship (Soul), 2 NBA Championships (76ers), 5 Stanley Cups (Flyers 2, Penguins 3), and 10 Calder Cups (Bears).

There are many minor league baseball teams located throughout the state; several of these teams are associated with either the Phillies or the Pirates. In 2008, the Phillies moved their AAA-level team, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, from Ottawa, Ontario, in Canada, to a newly-constructed stadium, Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. The Lehigh Valley is a core fan base for both the Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles, who conduct their pre-season training camp on the practice fields of Lehigh University. Therefore, expectations are that the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (named after pig iron, an instrumental part in the construction of steel which used to be a large part of the local economy for decades), is likely to prove popular among Allentown and Lehigh Valley Phillies fans. The Phillies' AA team, also called the Phillies, is located in Reading, while the short-season A-level affiliate, called the Crosscutters, is located in Williamsport. The Pirates' AA team, the Curve, is located in Altoona. The short-season A-level affiliate, the State College Spikes, is located in State College. The Spikes share a stadium with the Penn State University baseball team. Other Major League Baseball teams have a presence in the state as well. The New York Yankees' AAA team, also called the Yankees, is located in Moosic, between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre in the northeastern part of the state. The Detroit Tigers' AA team, the SeaWolves, is located in Erie, and the Washington Nationals' AA affiliate, the Senators, plays in the capital of Harrisburg. Two independent-league teams, the Lancaster Barnstormers and York Revolution of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, are located in south-central Pennsylvania, while the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League are located in the south-western corner of the state.

Each summer, the Little League World Series is held in South Williamsport, near where Little League Baseball was founded in Williamsport. Also, the first World Series between the Boston Pilgrims (which became the Boston Red Sox) and Pittsburgh Pirates was played in Pittsburgh in 1903.

College football is very popular in Pennsylvania. The Penn State University Nittany Lions are coached by Joe Paterno who has led Penn State to two national championships (1982 & 1986) as well as five undefeated seasons (1968, 1969, 1973, 1986 and 1994). Penn State plays its home games in the largest stadium in the United States, Beaver Stadium, which seats 107,282. In addition, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers have won nine national championships (1915, 1916, 1918, 1929, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937 and 1976) and have played eight undefeated seasons (1904, 1910, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1920, 1937 and 1976).[7] Pitt plays its home games at Heinz Field, a facility it shares with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Other Pennsylvania schools that have won national titles in football include Lafayette College (1896), Villanova University(2009), and the University of Pennsylvania (1895, 1897, 1904 and 1908).[8] In professional football, the Philadelphia Eagles hold their training camp annually, each July and August, at Lehigh University, in Bethlehem.

College basketball is also popular in the state, especially in the Philadelphia area where five universities, collectively termed the Big Five, have a rich tradition in NCAA Division I basketball. National titles in college basketball have been won by the following Pennsylvania universities: La Salle University (1954), Temple University (1938), University of Pennsylvania (1920 and 1921), University of Pittsburgh (1928 and 1930) and Villanova University (1985).[9] [10]

Soccer is gaining popularity within the state of Pennsylvania as well. With the addition of the Philadelphia Union in the MLS, the state now boasts three teams that are eligible to compete for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup annually. The other two teams are the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the Harrisburg City Islanders, both of the United Soccer Leagues Second Division (USL-2). Within the American Soccer Pyramid, the MLS takes the first tier, while the USL-2 claims the third tier.

In motorsports, the Mario Andretti dynasty of race drivers hails from Nazareth in the Lehigh Valley. Notable Racetracks in Pennsylvania include the Jennerstown Speedway in Jennerstown, the Lake Erie Speedway in North East, the Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton, the Motordome Speedway in Smithton, the Mountain Speedway in St. Johns, the Nazareth Speedway in Nazareth; and the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, which is home to both the NASCAR sanctioned Pennsylvania 500 and Pocono 500 stock car races. The state is also home to Maple Grove Raceway, near Reading, which hosts major National Hot Rod Association sanctioned drag racing events each year.

There are also two motocross race tracks that host a round of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championships in Pennsylvania. [High Point Raceway]High Point in located in Mt. Morris, PA, and Steel City is located in Delmont, PA.

Horse racing courses for horses in Pennsylvania consist of The Meadows Racetrack, south of Pittsburgh, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, in Wilkes-Barre and Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack in Chester which offer harness racing, and Penn National Race Course in Grantville and Philadelphia Park, in Bensalem, and Presque Isle Downs, south of Erie, which offer thoroughbred racing. Smarty Jones, the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, had Philadelphia Park as his home course.

Arnold Palmer, one of the 20th century's most notable pro golfers, comes from Latrobe, while Jim Furyk, a current PGA member, grew up near in Lancaster. PGA tournaments in Pennsylvania include the 84 Lumber Classic, played at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, in Farmington and the Northeast Pennsylvania Classic, played at Glenmaura National Golf Club, in Moosic.

Philadelphia is home to LOVE Park, once a skateboarding mecca, and across from City Hall, host to ESPN's X Games in 2001 and 2002[100].

Food

In his book Yo Mama Cooks Like a Yankee, author Sharon Hernes Silverman calls Pennsylvania the snack food capital of the world.[101] It leads all other states in the manufacture of pretzels and potato chips. The Sturgis Pretzel House introduced the pretzel to America, and companies like Anderson Bakery Company, Intercourse Pretzel Factory, and Snyder's of Hanover are leading manufacturers in the Commonwealth. Two of the three companies that define the U.S. potato chip industry are based in Pennsylvania: Utz Quality Foods, Inc., which started making chips in Hanover, Pennsylvania in 1921, and Wise Snack Foods which started making chips in Berwick in 1921 (the third, Lay's Potato Chips, is a Texas company). Other companies such as Herr Foods, Martin's Potato Chips, Snyder's of Berlin (not associated with Snyder's of Hanover) and Troyer Farms Potato Products are popular chip manufacturers.

The U.S. chocolate industry is centered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with Mars, Godiva, and Wilbur Chocolate Company nearby, and smaller manufacturers such as Asher's near Lansdale and Gertrude Hawk of Dunmore. Other notable companies include Just Born in Bethlehem, PA, makers of Hot Tamales, Mike and Ikes, and the Easter favorite marshmallow Peeps, Benzel's Pretzels and Boyer Brothers of Altoona, PA, which is well known for its Mallo Cups. Auntie Anne's Pretzels began as a market-stand in Downingtown, PA and now has corporate headquarters in Lancaster City.[102] Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods include chicken potpie, schnitz un knepp (dried apples, hame, and dumplings), fasnachts (raised doughnuts), scrapple, pretzels, bologna, and chow-chow. Shoofly is another traditional Pennsylvanian Dutch food. D.G. Yuengling & Son, America's oldest brewery, has been brewing beer in Pottsville since 1829.

Among the regional foods associated with Philadelphia are cheesesteaks, hoagie, soft pretzels, liver on a stick, Italian water ice, scrapple, Tastykake, and strombolis. In Pittsburgh, tomato ketchup was improved by Henry John Heinz from 1876 to the early 1900s. Famous to a lesser extent than Heinz ketchup are the Pittsburgh's Primanti Brothers Restaurant sandwiches, pierogies, and city chicken. Outside of Scranton, in Old Forge there are dozens of Italian restaurants specializing in pizza made unique by thick, light crust and American cheese. Erie also has its share of unique foods, including Greek sauce, sponge candy, pepperoni balls, and ox roast. Sauerkraut along with pork and mashed potatoes is a common meal on New Year's Day in Pennsylvania.

Multi-ethnic cuisine is common[citation needed], especially in the city and Coal Region areas. Pennsylvania Dutch, Chinese, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Pakistani, Persian, Polish, Russian, Thai, Turkish cuisine and many others can be found not only in specialty restaurants but at hundreds of community or religious festivals.

State symbols

The Ruffed Grouse US Brig Niagara in port
Pennsylvania state insignia and historical facts
State motto Virtue, liberty, and independence (Adapted in 1875, and it represents the fact that Philadelphia was the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed.)
State tree Hemlock
State bird Ruffed grouse[103]
State flower Mountain Laurel[103]
State insect Photuris pennsylvanica (Pennsylvania Firefly)[103]
State animal White-tailed deer[103]
State dog Great Dane
State fish Brook Trout[103]
State fossil the trilobite Phacops rana[103]
State beverage Milk[103]
State capital Harrisburg[104]
Union admission rank 2nd
State song Pennsylvania (Formerly Hail, Pennsylvania!, until 1990)[103]
State dance Polka
State toy Slinky[105]
State ship United States Brig Niagara[103]
State electric locomotive Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 #4849 Locomotive
State steam locomotive Pennsylvania Railroad K4s Locomotive
State beautification plant Crown vetch[103]
State soil Hazleton[104]

Nicknames

Pennsylvania has been known as the Keystone State since 1802,[103] based in part upon its central location among the original Thirteen Colonies forming the United States, and also in part because of the number of important American documents signed in the state (such as the Declaration of Independence). It was also a keystone state economically, having both the industry common to the North (making such wares as Conestoga wagons and rifles)[106][107] and the agriculture common to the South (producing feed, fiber, food, and tobacco).[108]

Another one of Pennsylvania's nicknames is the Quaker State; in colonial times, it was known officially as the Quaker Province,[109] in recognition of Quaker[110] William Penn's First Frame of Government[111] constitution for Pennsylvania that guaranteed liberty of conscience. He knew of the hostility[112] Quakers faced when they opposed religious ritual, taking oaths, violence, war and military service, and what they viewed as ostentatious frippery.[113]

"The Coal State", "The Oil State", "The Chocolate State", and "The Steel State" were adopted when those were the state's greatest industries.[114]

"The State of Independence" currently appears on many road signs entering the state

Gallery

Aliquippa

Allentown

Altoona

Beaver Falls

Bethlehem

Butler

Corry

Easton

Erie

Greensburg

Gettysburg

Harrisburg

Hazleton

Jeannette

Johnstown

Lancaster

Latrobe

Lebanon

Lock Haven

Monessen

New Castle

Parker

Philadelphia

Pittsburgh

Pottsville

Reading

Scranton

Shamokin

Uniontown

Warren

Washington

Wilkes-Barre

Williamsport

York

See also

North America portal
United States portal
Pennsylvania portal

Notes

  1. ^ "Pennsylvania - Languages". Advameg, Inc.. http://www.city-data.com/states/Pennsylvania-Languages.html. Retrieved 2010-05-07.
  2. ^ a b "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2009". United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/popest/states/tables/NST-EST2009-01.csv. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  3. ^ a b "Elevations and Distances in the United States". U.S Geological Survey. April 29, 2005. http://erg.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html#Highest. Retrieved 2006-11-07.
  4. ^ National Parks Service: Our Fourth Shore
  5. ^ NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources
  6. ^ Pennsylvania geography
  7. ^ 2006 Statistical Abstract: Geography & Environment: Land and Land Use
  8. ^ Pennsylvania Time Zone
  9. ^ Pennsylvania Indian tribes
  10. ^ Paullin, Charles O, Edited by John K. Wright (19932). Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States. New York, New York and Washington, D.C.:: Carnegie Institution of Washington and American Geographical Society. pp. Plate 42.
  11. ^ Swindler, William F., Editor (1973-1979). Sources and Documents of United States Constitutions. 10 Volumes. Dobbs Ferry, New York: Oceana Publications. pp. Vol. 10: 17–23.
  12. ^ Van Zandt, Franklin K. (1976). Boundaries of the United States and the Several States; Geological Survey Professional Paper 909.. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. pp. 74; 92.
  13. ^ Van Zandt, Franklin K. (1976). Boundaries of the United States and the Several States; Geological Survey Professional Paper 909.. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. pp. 74.
  14. ^ Munroe, John A. (1978). Colonial Delaware: A History.. Millwood, New York: KTO Press. pp. 9--12.
  15. ^ Munroe, John A. (1978). Colonial Delaware: A History.. Millwood, New York: KTO Press. pp. 16.
  16. ^ McCormick, Richard P. (1964). New Jersey from Colony to State, 1609—1789. New Jersey Historical Series, Volume 1.. Princeton, New Jersey: D. Van Nostrand Company. pp. 12.
  17. ^ Swindler, William F., Editor (1973-1979). Sources and Documents of United States Constitutions. 10 Volumes. Dobbs Ferry, New York: Oceana Publications. pp. Vol. 4: 278–280.
  18. ^ Van Zandt, Franklin K. (1976). Boundaries of the United States and the Several States; Geological Survey Professional Paper 909.. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office. pp. 79.
  19. ^ Swindler, William F., Editor (1973-1979). Sources and Documents of United States Constitutions. 10 Volumes. Dobbs Ferry, New York: Oceana Publications. pp. Vol. 6: 375–377.
  20. ^ Farnham, Mary Frances; Compiler. (1901-1902). Farnham Papers (1603-1688). Volumes 7 and 8 of Documentary History of the State of Maine.. Portland, Maine: Collections of the Maine Historical Society, 2nd Series.. pp. Vol. 7: 311, 314.
  21. ^ Parry, Clive (Editor) (1969 - 1981). Consolidated Treaty Series; 231 Volumes. Dobbs Ferry, New York: Oceana Publications. pp. Volume 10: 231.
  22. ^ Fernow, B., Editor (1853-1887). Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of New York;Volumes 12-15.. Albany, New York. pp. Vol 12:507--508.
  23. ^ Parry, Clive (Editor) (1969 -- 1981). Consolidated Treaty Series; 231 Volumes. Dobbs Ferry, New York: Oceana Publications. pp. Vol. 13: 136..
  24. ^ Fernow, B., Editor (1853-1887). Documents Relative to the Colonial History of the State of New York;Volumes 12-15.. Albany, New York. pp. Vol 12:515.
  25. ^ Armstrong, Edward; Editor (1860). Record of the Court at Upland, in Pennsylvania, 1676 to 1681. Memoirs of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Volume 7. pp. 119, 198.
  26. ^ Charter for the Province of Pennsylvania-1681. This charter, granted by Charles II (England) to William Penn, constituted him and his heirs proprietors of the province, which, in honor of his father, Admiral Penn, (whose cash advances and services were thus requited,) was called Pennsylvania. To perfect his title, William Penn purchased, on 1682-08-24, a quit-claim from the Duke of York to the lands west of the Delaware River embraced in his patent of 1664
  27. ^ Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Governors, ed (1916). "Samuel Carpenter". Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Governors, Volume 1. pp. 180–181. http://books.google.com/?id=4rQBAAAAMAAJ.
  28. ^ http://www.measuringworth.com/ppoweruk/result.php?use%5B%5D=CPI&use%5B%5D=NOMINALEARN&year_early=1681&pound71=16000&shilling71=&pence71=&amount=16000&year_source=1681&year_result=2008 Measuring Worth
  29. ^ a b Quakers and the political process
  30. ^ Armstrong, Edward; Editor (1860). Record of the Court at Upland, in Pennsylvania, 1676 to 1681. Memoirs of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Volume 7. pp. 196.
  31. ^ Swindler, William F., Editor (1973-1979). Sources and Documents of United States Constitutions. 10 Volumes. Dobbs Ferry, New York: Oceana Publications. pp. Volume 8:243.
  32. ^ Hamilton, Alexander and Syrett, Harold C. The Papers of Alexander Hamilton. 1963, page 240
  33. ^ Library of Congress timeline 1764–1765
  34. ^ Dickinson Letters
  35. ^ Library of Congress timeline 1773–1774
  36. ^ Library of Congress: Primary documents — The Declaration of Independence
  37. ^ Nine Capitals of the United States
  38. ^ Pennsylvania ratifies the Constitution of 1787
  39. ^ a b c d e f g h i Pennsylvania's Capitals
  40. ^ James Buchanan White House biography
  41. ^ Battle of Gettysburg
  42. ^ "Population and Population Centers by State - 2000". United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt. Retrieved 2008-12-03.
  43. ^ Components of Population Change
  44. ^ a b c "Pennsylvania Facts 2007" (PDF). Pennsylvania State Data Center Penn State Harrisburg. 2007. http://pasdc.hbg.psu.edu/pasdc/whats_new/2007factsfortheweb.pdf. Retrieved 2007-12-05.
  45. ^ Annual Estimates of the Population
  46. ^ FactFinder: Census 2000 Demographic Profile Highlights
  47. ^ http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-context=adp&-qr_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_DP3YR2&-ds_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_&-tree_id=3308&-redoLog=false&-_caller=geoselect&-geo_id=04000US42&-format=&-_lang=en American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates
  48. ^ The Works of Voltaire, volume 19
  49. ^ Religious diversity in Pennsylvania
  50. ^ The ARDA
  51. ^ These statistics are based on 7,116,348 of the estimated 8,448,193 religious adherents in Pennsylvania, and only the largest of 115 different faiths are reported here. Data excludes most of the historically African-American denominations. Public Law 94-521 prevents the Census Bureau from collecting better data, so this information comes from the Association of religion data archives at Penn State.) Terms used to describe organizations are ARDA's and may not be the group's own preferred name.
  52. ^ http://www.visitamishcountry.com/
  53. ^ Definition of "dutch"
  54. ^ a b Bureau of Economic Analysis
  55. ^ Appeals court races wrap up with focus on voter mobilization
  56. ^ a b c Fortune 500
  57. ^ Philadelphia stock exchange
  58. ^ Wal-Mart tops Pa. list of largest private employers
  59. ^ Bls.gov; Local Area Unemployment Statistics
  60. ^ Agricultural Census 2002
  61. ^ a b "PA Wine facts". Pennsylvania Wine & Wineries. http://www.pennsylvaniawine.com/Facts.aspx.
  62. ^ http://www.kyw1060.com/Pa--Lawmakers-Consider-Table-Games--More-Small-Cas/5763077
  63. ^ http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09035/946691-85.stm
  64. ^ "Presidential General Election Results Comparison - Pennsylvania". Dave Leip's Atlas of United States Presidential Elections. 2005. http://www.uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/compare.php?year=2008&fips=42&f=0&off=0&elect=0&type=state. Retrieved 2007-07-07.
  65. ^ "Voter Registration Statistics - Current Voter Registration Statistics" (Microsoft Excel). Pennsylvania Division of Voter Registration. http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/voter_registration_statistics/12725. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
  66. ^ a b 23 Pennsylvania Law Weekly 324 (March 27, 2000)
  67. ^ bio of Ed Rendell
  68. ^ State Elected Officials
  69. ^ Pennsylvania State Archives
  70. ^ Pennsylvania Senators
  71. ^ Pennsylvania House of Representatives
  72. ^ Pennsylvania Senate
  73. ^ David Brightbill
  74. ^ Robert Mellow
  75. ^ [1]
  76. ^ [2]
  77. ^ [3]
  78. ^ a b c d e f Judicial districts
  79. ^ Revenue Department Releases August Collections (09/01/2006) http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/revenue/CWP/view.asp?Q=261929&A=208 Retrieved September 25, 2006.
  80. ^ http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/personal_income_tax/11409
  81. ^ Congressional Directory Online
  82. ^ a b c The Pennsylvania Manual, p. 6-3.
  83. ^ a b c d e f Pennsylvania Manual, p. 6-5.
  84. ^ The Pennsylvania Manual, p. 6-46.
  85. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Pennsylvania" (XLS). Population Estimates. United States Census Bureau. 2010. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2009-04-42.xls. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
  86. ^ a b The Pennsylvania Manual, p. 6-6.
  87. ^ The Pennsylvania Manual, p. 6-22.
  88. ^ Title 302, Pennsylvania Code, Section 23.1-101.
  89. ^ [4] 'Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). Retrieved on 4-12-2009.'
  90. ^ [5] 'National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Retrieved on 4-12-2009.'
  91. ^ 'NCES.'
  92. ^ [6] 'Pennsylvania Department of Education: Home Education and Private Tutoring. Retrieved on 4-12-2009.'
  93. ^ http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/index.php?id=10_2_1
  94. ^ http://www.houdini.org
  95. ^ a b c d Reilly, P. (2007-11-15). "Bear facts favor Pennsylvania State remains home to North America’s biggest black bears". Intelligencer Journal. http://local.lancasteronline.com/4/212407. Retrieved 2007-12-06.
  96. ^ a b "Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Fact Book", p. 7.
  97. ^ "2010 Public Transportation Fact Book", p. 8.
  98. ^ a b c d "Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Fact Book", p. 10.
  99. ^ Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center, p. 5-4.
  100. ^ http://skateboard.about.com/cs/events/a/XGamesHistory_2.htm
  101. ^ Pa. knack for snacks a Farm Show feature - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
  102. ^ "Company History: Auntie Anne's Pretzels". Auntie Anne's. http://www.auntieannes.com/company_history.aspx. Retrieved 2009-02-06.
  103. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k State Symbols
  104. ^ a b State Symbols
  105. ^ Slinky history
  106. ^ Lowell Tribune, March 26, 2002
  107. ^ Lancaster rifle
  108. ^ PHMC: Agriculture in Pennsylvania
  109. ^ The Quaker Province
  110. ^ William Penn, Quaker
  111. ^ Frame of Government
  112. ^ Pennsylvania translates to "Penn's Woods" and was named after the father of William Penn, the founder of the colony. Digital History: Persecution of the Quakers
  113. ^ The Quaker Province 1681–1776
  114. ^ http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/pa_intro.htm

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'Pennsylvania' News
DA: Handyman swindled $650000 from Pa. woman, 94 - The Associated Press
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DA: Handyman swindled $650000 from Pa. woman, 94 - The Associated Press
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:40:33 GMT+00:00
The Associated Press Authorities say a 94-year-old western Pennsylvania woman was swindled out of more than $65000 by a handyman she trusted like a son. ... Man tried on charges of swindling Pa. woman, 94 Lebanon Daily News Fraud case may go to jury today The Tribune-Democrat Man accused of defrauding 94-year-old UPI.com WJAC Johnstown
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images to post on your Blogs or Profiles Really cool Pennsylvania pictures to view Whether day or night evening or morning winter or spring summer or autumn Pennsylvania Pic 5 Really nice pics of Pennsylvania This Pennsylvania website can be sent to your friends and family by email at the bottom of this page Make sure you send them the pics here as they would

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Pennsylvania Top State for Casino Tax Revenue | BloodHorse.com
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Pennsylvania. collected more in taxes from commercial casino gambling than any other state, including Nevada and Indiana.

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'Pennsylvania' Answers
What sites should I see in West Virginia and western Pennsylvania?
Q. I am traveling to West Virginia and eastern Pennsylvania next summer and want to get information on where I should go? We'll be traveling in June. Thanks!
Asked by grchik - Thu Aug 6 07:39:15 2009 - - 2 Answers - 1 Comments

A. Philly is a great place to go. There is a lot of history there. I would suggest you take the double decker bus. It allows you to hop on and hop off and takes you around the entire city, including some areas that are not in the central tourist area. Another nice place to visit is Lancaster, PA. This is Amish country and has some of the best baked goods and shops around. They also have some great places for tourists to go and learn about the Amish culture as well as eat in family style restaurants.
Answered by jameshdwyer - Thu Aug 6 09:13:44 2009

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