15 Interesting Facts Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Capitol by Kumar Appaiah from Wikimedia Commons

15 Interesting Facts Pennsylvania

The Keystone State, also known as Pennsylvania, is a fascinating location to explore because of its varied culture and rich history. Pennsylvania offers something for everyone, from Philadelphia, the birthplace of American freedom, to Lancaster County, a charming Amish region.

We’ll delve deeper into 15 fascinating facts that make Pennsylvania unique and distinct in this piece. You will undoubtedly learn something fascinating about this incredible state, whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or outdoor lover. Let’s plunge right in and discover Pennsylvania’s fascinating facts!

1. Pennsylvania has a variety of nicknames

The “Keystone State” is one of many titles for Pennsylvania. The name originated in the early years of the United States when Pennsylvania was thought of as the central state holding together the arc of the young country. Without a keystone, an arch would fall apart. It is the main wedge-shaped stone in an arch. Being in the middle of the initial 13 colonies made Pennsylvania an essential link between the northern and southern states. Today’s reference to Pennsylvania as “The Keystone State” serves as a reminder of its historical importance as the nation’s geographic core.

2. The first public zoo in the US was the Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo by Library Company of Philadelphia from Wikimedia Commons

The first public zoo in the United States was the Philadelphia Zoo, which is located in the center of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It welcomed guests in 1874 and rapidly gained popularity among animal lovers of all ages. More than 1,300 animals spanning over 40 different species live in the zoo today.

Visitors can view a variety of animals, from uncommon and threatened species like the Amur leopard and red panda to more common animals like lions, tigers, and bears. A leader in zoology, the Philadelphia Zoo has a long and illustrious history thanks to its commitment to animal care and conservation.

3. In 1933, the Pittsburgh Steelers team was created in Philadephia

One of the most recognizable and popular teams in National Football League history is the Pittsburgh Steelers. (NFL). The team was established in 1933 and has since amassed an impressive six Super Bowl victories, the most recent of which occurred in 2009.

Some of the greatest football stars in history have played for the Steelers over the years, including Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Troy Polamalu. One of the most revered teams in the NFL is the team known for its distinctive black and gold uniforms and hard-hitting, blue-collar style of play. The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to inspire passion and pride in sports fans everywhere, not just in Pittsburgh.

4. The NFL club, the Steagles, was based in Pennsylvania

Steagles Giants by Coemgenus from Wikimedia Commons

The Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers both experienced a player shortage in 1943 as a result of the draft and military enlistment. The two teams merged to create a single team known as the “Steagles” in an effort to preserve the NFL.

This team’s home games were contested in Philadelphia, and they finished the season with a 5-4-1 record. The Steelers were a flimsy experiment, and the Eagles won their first NFL title in 1948 before the Steelers resumed their separate activities the following year. Even though the Steagles only played for one season, they are still an interesting and distinctive chapter in Pennsylvania football history.

5. The name Pennsylvania has its roots in the Latin language

The name Pennsylvania has its roots in the Latin language. It was given that name in honour of William Penn, the colony’s founder, who was granted territory by King Charles II of England in 1681. Pennsylvania, which means “Penn’s Woods” in translation, refers to the colony’s extensive forest cover and Penn’s ownership of the territory.

Penn established the colony as a place where people of all religions could live and worship without fear of discrimination because he was a Quaker who believed in religious freedom and tolerance. With a rich past and culture that represent its founding principles of freedom, tolerance, and equality, Pennsylvania is still a diverse and welcoming state today.

6. The Philly Cheesesteak is one of the well-known dishes from this state

Cheesesteak by 17parkc from Wikimedia Commons

The famous sandwich known as the “Philadelphia cheesesteak” has come to represent the city’s rich gastronomic history. On a long, crusty bread, it has melted cheese, finely sliced steak, and grilled onions. The cheesesteak’s beginnings can be found in the 1930s when Philadelphia hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri made the decision to grill some steak and offer it on a roll.

The sandwich gained popularity rapidly and was an instant hit. Today, Philadelphians and tourists equally frequent the city’s numerous cheesesteak restaurants to satisfy their cravings for the dish, which has become a staple of Philadelphian cuisine.

7. The first American piano was built here

Johann Behrent, a German immigrant who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, created the first piano in America in 1775. Pianos were still being developed and improved upon at the time because they were a comparatively new instrument.

Philadelphia became known as a hub for musical innovation and craftsmanship thanks in large part to Behrent’s piano, which was a major turning point in the history of American music. Pennsylvania has become home to many other piano manufacturers over the years, and the region is still a hotbed of musical prowess and inventiveness. From jazz to rock to pop, Pennsylvania has created some of the most renowned and influential musicians in history.

8. The longest stone arch bridge in the world is the Rockville Bridge

Rockville Bridge by Don Kasak by Wikimedia Commons

A stunning feat of engineering and design can be found at the Rockville Bridge, which is close to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It was constructed in 1902, and at over 3,800 feet long, it is the largest stone arch bridge in the world. The limestone from nearby quarries was used to build the bridge, which has a distinctive appearance and was built to handle heavy train traffic.

Throughout Pennsylvania’s past, the Rockville Bridge has been an essential link in the movement of goods and people, and it still performs this function today. Photographers and railfans who are enamoured with the bridge’s beauty and the impressive engineering that went into its building frequently visit it to capture its beauty.

9. There are many famous people from Pennsylvania

Throughout its history, Pennsylvania has created a staggering number of well-known and significant figures. Some of the most notable include Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a prolific inventor, writer, and statesman; Andrew Carnegie, a business magnate and philanthropist who made his fortune in the steel industry; and Taylor Swift, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania.

Among many others, notable Pennsylvanians also include the actor’s Will Smith, M. Night Shyamalan, Bill Cosby, and Andy Warhol. Pennsylvania continues to produce talented people who leave their mark on the world in various disciplines thanks to its rich cultural heritage and thriving creative scene.

10. The state fish of Pennsylvania is the brook trout

The designated state fish of Pennsylvania is the brook trout, also known as Salvelinus fontinalis. Due to its vivid colouring and sporting worth, this freshwater species is a well-liked game fish among anglers. The streams and rivers of Pennsylvania’s northern and western areas are the primary habitats for brook trout, which are important to the state’s economy and culture. Recognizing the brook trout’s beauty and significance, the Pennsylvania state assembly formally named it the state fish in 1970.

11. Lake Erie borders this state

There is a tiny stretch of lakeshore in Pennsylvania that has become a well-liked location for boating, fishing, and other leisure activities. The lake is a significant ecological resource that supports a broad range of plant and animal species. With multiple shipwrecks and lighthouses that serve as reminders of the area’s maritime past, Lake Erie is rich in history in addition to its natural grandeur. Although not close to Philadelphia, Lake Erie still contributes significantly to Pennsylvania’s cultural and natural legacy.

12. The 15th President of the United States was born in Philadephia

The 15th President of the United States, James Buchanan, was born in a timber home in Cove Gap, close to Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Before beginning a fruitful legal and legislative career, he completed his education at Carlisle’s Dickinson College, where he was raised in Franklin County.

Between 1857 and 1861, Buchanan held various positions including those of Congressman, Senator, Minister to Russia, Secretary of State, and eventually President. Due to his failure to stop the Civil War from starting, Buchanan has been regarded as one of the worst presidents of the United States, but his reputation has recently been reevaluated. Some historians argue that he was a victim of the times and did what he could to keep the Union together.

13. Daniel Boone was born in Pennsylvania

In 1734, Berks County, Pennsylvania gave birth to Daniel Boone, an established American adventurer and frontiersman. Boone spent his early years learning to hunt and live in the harsh environment of the Pennsylvania wilderness.

He went to North Carolina when he was a young man and eventually settled there, becoming one of the first people to do so in what is now Kentucky. Boone is best known for exploring and settling the frontier, and his work played a significant role in facilitating the settlement and growth of large tracts of the American West. He was an expert marksman and hunter, and in his own time, stories of his adventures were told.

14. Carnegie Mellon University is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

In the Pennsylvanian city of Pittsburgh is where you’ll find Carnegie Mellon University, one of the best research institutions in the country. The famous industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie founded the institution, which is now renowned for its top-notch courses in computer science, engineering, business, and the arts. Carnegie was also a major industrialist and philanthropist.

Carnegie Mellon has made a number of ground-breaking discoveries and inventions over the years, including the creation of the first artificial intelligence computer program and the first internet search engine.

15. Benjamin Franklin, spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania

Benjamin Franklin by Joseph-Siffred Duplessis from Wikimedia Commons

One of the most well-known Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, spent a lot of time in Pennsylvania. He arrived in Philadelphia as a young man in 1723 and made a name for himself there as an accomplished printer, journalist, and publisher.

Franklin went on to have a distinguished career as a scientist, statesman, and inventor. He was a crucial figure in the American Revolution and the foundation of the United States. Additionally, he played a significant role in the founding of many institutions and social groups in Pennsylvania, such as the University of Pennsylvania, the American Philosophical Society, and the Pennsylvania Hospital.