Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania

1. State Motto: "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence."
2. State Bird: Ruffed Grouse.
3. State Flower: Mountain Laurel.
4. The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of independence, is located in Philadelphia.
5. Philadelphia was the first capital of the United States.
6. Pennsylvania is home to the first computer, ENIAC, built in 1946 at the University of Pennsylvania.
7. Hershey, Pennsylvania, is known as the "Sweetest Place on Earth."
8. The first baseball stadium was built in Pittsburgh in 1909.
9. Pennsylvania is one of the original 13 colonies and was the second state to join the Union.
10. The state has more covered bridges than any other state in the U.S.

Geography of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s geography ranges from mountains and forests to rivers and urban centers:

• Highest Point: Mount Davis (3,213 feet).
• Lowest Point: Delaware River (sea level).
• Major Rivers: Susquehanna River, Delaware River, and Ohio River.

A Brief History of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania played a key role in the founding of the United States:

• Founded in 1681 by William Penn as a haven for religious freedom.
• Independence Hall in Philadelphia was the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
• Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War and the site of President Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address.
• The state became a leader in steel production during the Industrial Revolution.

Top 20 Things to Do in Pennsylvania

1. Visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
2. Explore Gettysburg National Military Park.
3. See the Liberty Bell.
4. Tour Fallingwater, a masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright.
5. Visit Hersheypark for chocolate-themed fun.
6. Hike in Ricketts Glen State Park.
7. Enjoy the beaches at Presque Isle State Park.
8. Explore Amish Country in Lancaster County.
9. Take a scenic ride on the Strasburg Rail Road.
10. See the art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
11. Visit the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.
12. Tour the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg.
13. Learn about history at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
14. Experience the thrills at Kennywood Amusement Park.
15. Explore the caves at Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park.
16. See elk at the Elk Country Visitor Center.
17. Ski or hike in the Pocono Mountains.
18. Tour the eerie halls of Eastern State Penitentiary.
19. Visit the charming town of Jim Thorpe.
20. Enjoy the views at Pittsburgh's Point State Park.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Pennsylvania, visit the state’s official tourism site: Visit Pennsylvania