Packed With History
Pennsylvania was one of the original 13 Colonies. The state played an important part in our country’s history.
Ever since the Revolutionary War, it has also been a leader in industry. With so many sites to see, Pennyslvania attracts many tourists.
This week, The Mini Page finds out more about this northeastern state.
Where our history began
Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our nation. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were adopted and signed in
Philadelphia at Independence Hall.
Benjamin Franklin of Philadelphia was a leading statesman, inventor, printer, and signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
At Valley Forge, George Washington and his troops camped in the winter of 1777.
York was the site of the Continental Congress from September 1777 through June 1778. Later, during the Civil War,
Gettysburg was the site of the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil. After it was over, the South never regained the lead in the war. Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address there.
People
Most Pennsylvanians live in urban, or city, areas.
Philadelphia is the sixthbiggest city in the nation. With a population of about 13 million, the state ranks fifth in population among the 50 states.
Pittsburgh, the second-largest city in the state, has about 303,000 people. There, two rivers join to form the Ohio River, which helped make the city a center of industry, known for steel and glass.
Harrisburg is the state capital. It is named after the founder, John Harris.
The Amish people, who live as their ancestors did years ago, have strong communities in
Lancaster County and elsewhere.
They live simply; some do not use modern technology such as electricity.
The Amish are a part of a unique group called the Pennsylvania Dutch. These people have a German background, but got their name from the word “Deutsch,” which means German.