Welcome to the Keystone State, a land of historic landmarks, picturesque countryside, and vibrant cities. Pennsylvania is a state steeped in American history, home to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Gettysburg Battlefield. But it’s also a state of natural beauty, with the Pocono Mountains, the Allegheny National Forest, and the famous Hershey Gardens. Whether you’re a lover of architecture, art, or adventure, Pennsylvania has something to offer. So buckle up and get ready to explore the diverse and exciting landscapes of the Keystone State. From the rolling hills of Amish country to the bustling streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is waiting to be discovered!
1-5 Fun Facts About Pennsylvania
1. Pennsylvania is home to over 13 million residents, placing it as the 5th most populated state in the US, nestled comfortably between New York State and Illinois.
2. Known by a variety of nicknames such as “Chocolate State,” “Quaker State,” and “Coal State,” Pennsylvania is a place of many faces, each with its own unique flavor.
3. Pennsylvania’s official state motto is “Virtue, Liberty, and Independence,” representing the state’s values and beliefs.
4. There is a Pennsylvania mine that has been burning since 1962 and is expected to continue burning for at least another 250 years.
5. In the 1800s, a cult leader gifted 600 acres of land to God, but the State of Pennsylvania took possession and sold it due to the Almighty’s failure to pay taxes.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania
6. When it comes to land negotiations, Pennsylvania doesn’t mess around. When the Lenni Lenape Indians agreed to cede land to Pennsylvania, the governor hired a team of fast runners, resulting in Pennsylvania acquiring an area of 1,200,932 acres.
7. A high school in Pennsylvania distributed a MacBook to each of its 2,306 students and then remotely activated the webcams to spy on them at home.
8. If you love pretzels, Pennsylvania is the place to be. Pennsylvania produces roughly 80% of the pretzels in the United States.
9. Here’s another surprising fact about Pennsylvania’s oil industry. In 1881, Pennsylvania produced more than 75% of the world’s oil.
10. Pennsylvania can take pride in being the first state to abolish slavery. In 1780, the state passed a law that stated no child born within its borders would be a slave, effectively phasing out the practice over time as enslaved individuals passed away and their children were born free.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Pennsylvania
11. While Pennsylvania has a rich history, it also has some strange laws that still exist on paper. For example, it’s illegal to sing in a bathtub or discharge a firearm at a wedding.
12. And if you were thinking of sleeping on top of your outdoor fridge, think again – that’s also against the law!
13. In Morrisville, Pennsylvania, female residents need a permit to legally wear makeup. It’s unclear why this law exists, but it certainly raises eyebrows.
14. While it should go without saying, it’s worth noting that attempting to sell or barter your child is considered a misdemeanor in Pennsylvania. So no matter how frustrated or desperate you may be, it’s best to find another solution.
15. Pennsylvania has a sense of humor when it comes to town names. With monikers like Blue Ball, Intercourse, and Honey Hole, it’s clear that the state has a playful side. Other noteworthy names include Lover, Pancake, and Noodle Doosie.
16-20 Cool Facts About Pennsylvania
16. Pennsylvania also has a knack for naming towns after other places. The state has California, Rome, Lebanon, Moscow, Nazareth, Newfoundland, and Norwegian.
17. Bingo was invented in Pennsylvania by Hugh J. Ward of Pittsburgh.
18. Pennsylvania has produced its fair share of famous faces, from sports icons like Dan Marino and Kobe Bryant to music sensations like Taylor Swift and Will Smith. And let’s not forget the most famous Pennsylvanian of them all, President Joe Biden.
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19. In 1924, Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot attempted to reform the state’s prison system by “convicting” his pet dog of killing his wife’s cat and sentencing it to life without parole at Eastern State Penitentiary, marking the first instance of using dogs to rehabilitate prisoners.
20. The Chocolate Capital of the US is Hershey, Pa.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Awesome Pennsylvania Facts For Kids.
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