Pennsylvania

Lore & Background

Pennsylvania's history of human habitation extends thousands of years before European colonization. Archaeologists believe the first settlement of the Americas occurred at least 15,000 years ago, and Meadowcroft Rockshelter contains the earliest known signs of human activity in Pennsylvania, possibly pre-dating the Clovis culture. By 1000 AD, the native population had developed agricultural techniques. At the time of European colonization, the Lenape inhabited the eastern region, and the Susquehannock were based along the Susquehanna River; both were weakened by European disease and warfare.

Reader's Guide

Pennsylvania was founded in 1681 when King Charles II granted a land charter to William Penn to repay a debt. Penn established a government with county commissions and freedom of religion, innovations later replicated in many of the Thirteen Colonies. The state played a vital historical role in the American Revolution, hosting the First and Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, which formed the Continental Army and adopted the Declaration of Independence. In the 21st century, Pennsylvania has been nicknamed 'Cellicon State' for the role of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in developing technology and immunotherapies to treat cancers. Its geography is highly diverse, with the Appalachian Mountains, Allegheny and Pocono mountains, and approximately 59% forested land.

Did You Know?

• Pennsylvania is the fifth-most populous U.S. state, with over 13 million residents as of the 2020 census.
• The state has 140 miles of waterfront along Lake Erie and the tidal Delaware River, though no oceanic shoreline.
• Pennsylvania was the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, on December 12, 1787.