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Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania is a large state in the United States.

Pennsylvania-counties-map
Pennsylvania-counties-map

It sits in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions. You can find it near New York and New Jersey. It also borders Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland.

Flickr - Nicholas T - Endless Mountains Landscape (1)
Flickr - Nicholas T - Endless Mountains Landscape (1)

To the northwest, it meets the Canadian province of Ontario via Lake Erie. The state has a very diverse landscape. The Appalachian Mountains run right through the middle. The Allegheny and Pocono mountains also span the northeast. About 60% of the state is covered in green forests.

Köppen Climate Types Pennsylvania
Köppen Climate Types Pennsylvania

While it has no ocean coast, it has water along Lake Erie and the Delaware River.

Many people live in this state. As of the 2020 census, over 13 million people live in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania population density 2020
Pennsylvania population density 2020

Philadelphia is the largest and most crowded city. It is the sixth-most populous city in the whole country.

South Philly HS
South Philly HS

The capital city of the state is Harrisburg.

Flying the Pride Flag over the Capitol (50035197647)
Flying the Pride Flag over the Capitol (50035197647)

Another huge area is Greater Pittsburgh. This area is centered around Pittsburgh, which is the second-largest city.

Pittsburgh Steeler fans 15 Oct 2006
Pittsburgh Steeler fans 15 Oct 2006

The state is the fifth-most populous state in the nation. It is also the ninth-highest in population density.

Humans have lived in this land for a very long time. Archaeologists found signs of people living here over 10,000 years ago.

Shelter House Emmaus PA 2
Shelter House Emmaus PA 2

Long before Europeans arrived, Native American tribes lived here. The Lenape people lived in the eastern regions. They spoke an Algonquian language. The Susquehannock people lived along the Susquehanna River. They spoke an Iroquoian language. In 1681, William Penn founded the colony of Pennsylvania.

William Penn
William Penn

He named it to honor his father, Admiral Penn. The name literally means "Penn's Woods."

Pennsylvania played a huge role in making the United States. During the American Revolution, leaders met in Philadelphia.

Independence Hall
Independence Hall

They held the Continental Congress there to fight for independence. In 1787, Pennsylvania was the second state to approve the U.S. Constitution. Later, the state saw the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.

Thure de Thulstrup - L. Prang and Co. - Battle of Gettysburg - Restoration by Adam Cuerden
Thure de Thulstrup - L. Prang and Co. - Battle of Gettysburg - Restoration by Adam Cuerden

This was a very big and sad battle during the Civil War. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the state became famous for making steel.

Bethlehem Steel
Bethlehem Steel

This industry helped build many bridges and skyscrapers across the nation.

Today, Pennsylvania is still a place of great discovery. It has changed from making steel to making medicine.

Benjamin Franklin statue in front of College Hall
Benjamin Franklin statue in front of College Hall

People now call it the "Cellicon State." This is because cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh help develop new ways to treat cancer.

Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport

You can see how much the state has grown by looking at its many cities. From the busy streets of Philadelphia to the mountains in the center, there is much to see. The state connects its long history to the modern world. It remains a very important part of the United States.

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🖼️ Images & Media (32)
"Pennsylvania" - Regional anthem of...
File:William_Penn.png
William_Penn.png
File:Shelter_House_Emmaus_PA_2.JPG
Shelter_House_Emmaus_PA_2.JPG
File:Independence_Hall.jpg
Independence_Hall.jpg
File:Thure_de_Thulstrup_-_L._Prang_and_Co._-_Battle_of_Gettysburg_-_Restoration_by_Adam_Cuerden.jpg
Thure_de_Thulstrup_-_L._Prang_and_Co._-_Ba...
File:Lincolnatgettysburg.jpg
Lincolnatgettysburg.jpg
File:Bethlehem_Steel.jpg
Bethlehem_Steel.jpg
File:Flight93Crash.jpg
Flight93Crash.jpg
File:Köppen Climate Types Pennsylvania.png
Köppen Climate Types Pennsylvania.png
File:Flickr - Nicholas T - Endless Mountains Landscape (1).jpg
Flickr - Nicholas T - Endless Mountains...
File:Pennsylvania population density 2020.png
Pennsylvania population density 2020.png
Pennsylvania population pyramid.webp

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