Difference between revisions of "Pennsylvania" - New World Encyclopedia

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The '''Commonwealth of Pennsylvania''' is a [[U.S. state|state]] located in the [[Middle Atlantic States|Middle Atlantic region]] of the [[United States of America]].
 
The '''Commonwealth of Pennsylvania''' is a [[U.S. state|state]] located in the [[Middle Atlantic States|Middle Atlantic region]] of the [[United States of America]].
  
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One of Pennsylvania's nicknames is the [[Religious Society of Friends|''Quaker'']] ''State''; in colonial times, it was known officially as the ''[[Province of Pennsylvania|Quaker Province]]'',<ref>[http://www.dgs.state.pa.us/dgs/lib/dgs/pa_manual/section1/the_quaker_province_1681-1776.pdf#search=%22quaker%20province%20%22 The Quaker Province]</ref> in recognition of Quaker<ref>[http://www.quakerinfo.com/quakpenn.shtml William Penn, Quaker]</ref> [[William Penn]]'s ''[[Frame of Government of Pennsylvania|First Frame of Government]]''<ref>[http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/pa04.htm Frame of Government]</ref> [[constitution]] for Pennsylvania that guaranteed [[Freedom (political)|liberty]] of [[conscience]]. Penn knew of the hostility<ref>  Pennsylvania translates to "Penn's woods." [http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/documents/documents_p2.cfm?doc=240 Digital History: Persecution of the Quakers]</ref> Quakers faced when they opposed swearing oaths, warfare, and violence.<ref>[http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/pahist/quaker.asp?secid=31 The Quaker Province 1681–1776]</ref>
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One of Pennsylvania's nicknames is the [[Religious Society of Friends|''Quaker'']] ''State''; in colonial times, it was known officially as the ''[[Province of Pennsylvania|Quaker Province]]'', in recognition of Quaker [[William Penn]]'s ''[[Frame of Government of Pennsylvania|First Frame of Government]]'' [[constitution]] for Pennsylvania that guaranteed [[Freedom (political)|liberty]] of [[conscience]]. Penn knew of the hostility Quakers faced when they opposed swearing oaths, warfare, and violence.  
  
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Pennsylvania has also been known as the [[keystone (architecture)|''Keystone'']] ''State'' since 1802,<ref name=symbols>[http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/pahist/symbols.asp?secid=31 PHMC: State Symbols]</ref> based in part upon its central location among the original [[Thirteen Colonies]] forming the United States.<ref name=symbols /> It was also a keystone state ''economically'', having both the industry common to the [[Northern United States|North]], making such wares as [[Conestoga wagons]]<ref>[http://www.lowellpl.lib.in.us/s2002mar.htm Lowell Tribune, March 26, 2002]</ref> and [[Long rifle|rifles]],<ref>[http://www.2nj.org/library/weapons/flintlock_rifles.htm Lancaster rifle]</ref> and the agriculture common to the [[Southern United States|South]], producing feed, fiber, food, and [[tobacco]].<ref>[http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/ppet/agriculture/page1.asp?secid=31 PHMC: Agriculture in Pennsylvania]</ref>
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Pennsylvania has also been known as the [[keystone (architecture)|''Keystone'']] ''State'' since 1802, based in part upon its central location among the original [[Thirteen Colonies]] forming the United States. It was also a keystone state ''economically'', having both the industry common to the [[Northern United States|North]], making such wares as [[Conestoga wagons]] and [[Long rifle|rifles]], and the agriculture common to the [[Southern United States|South]], producing feed, fiber, food, and [[tobacco]].
  
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Pennsylvania has 51 miles (82 kilometers)<ref>[http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/shore/shore8.htm National Parks Service: Our Fourth Shore]</ref> of coastline along [[Lake Erie]] and {{convert|57|mi|km|0}}<ref>[http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/mystate/pa.html NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources]</ref> of shoreline along the Delaware Estuary. [[Philadelphia]] is Pennsylvania's largest city and is home to a major seaport and shipyards on the [[Delaware River]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.philaport.com/history.htm |title=Philadelphia Regional Port Authority: History |accessdate=2006-12-11}}</ref>
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Pennsylvania has 51 miles (82 kilometers) of coastline along [[Lake Erie]] and {{convert|57|mi|km|0}} of shoreline along the Delaware Estuary. [[Philadelphia]] is Pennsylvania's largest city and is home to a major seaport and shipyards on the [[Delaware River]].
  
 
== Geography ==
 
== Geography ==
 
{{see|Geography of Pennsylvania}}   
 
{{see|Geography of Pennsylvania}}   
 
{{see|List of Pennsylvania counties}}   
 
{{see|List of Pennsylvania counties}}   
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Pennsylvania is {{convert|170|mi|km|0}} north to south and {{convert|283|mi|km|0}} east to west.<ref name=pageo>[http://www.netstate.com/states/geography/pa_geography.htm Pennsylvania geography]</ref> Of a total 46055 sq mi (119,282 sq km), 44817 sq mi (116,075 sq km) are land, 490 sq mi (1,269 sq km) are inland waters and 749 sq mi (1,940 sq km) are waters in Lake Erie.<ref name=statabs>[http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/06s0347.xls 2006 Statistical Abstract: Geography & Environment: Land and Land Use]</ref> It is the 33rd largest state in the [[United States]]. The highest elevation at 3213 feet above sea level (979 meters), at [[Mount Davis (Pennsylvania)|Mount Davis]], named for its owner, John Davis, a schoolteacher who fought for the [[Union Army]] at the [[Battle of Gettysburg]].  The lowest point is [[sea level]], on the Delaware River.  The approximate [[mean]] elevation is 1100 ft (335 m).   
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Pennsylvania is {{convert|170|mi|km|0}} north to south and {{convert|283|mi|km|0}} east to west. Of a total 46055 sq mi (119,282 sq km), 44817 sq mi (116,075 sq km) are land, 490 sq mi (1,269 sq km) are inland waters and 749 sq mi (1,940 sq km) are waters in Lake Erie. It is the 33rd largest state in the [[United States]]. The highest elevation at 3213 feet above sea level (979 meters), at [[Mount Davis (Pennsylvania)|Mount Davis]], named for its owner, John Davis, a schoolteacher who fought for the [[Union Army]] at the [[Battle of Gettysburg]].  The lowest point is [[sea level]], on the Delaware River.  The approximate [[mean]] elevation is 1100 ft (335 m).   
  
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The Appalachian Mountains cut diagonally across the state from northeast to southwest.  The western part of the state is underlain by sedimentary rock, rich in deposits of bituminous coal.  Central Pennsylvania is the anthracite coal region, with the characteristic anticline-syncline topography of tightly folded sedimentary layers.  The eastern third of the state is a product of ocean formation and orogenesis, and is marked by igneous and metamorphic rock close to a billion years old in some areas. <ref: http://www.bucknell.edu/x17772.xml>
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The Appalachian Mountains cut diagonally across the state from northeast to southwest.  The western part of the state is underlain by sedimentary rock, rich in deposits of bituminous coal.  Central Pennsylvania is the anthracite coal region, with the characteristic anticline-syncline topography of tightly folded sedimentary layers.  The eastern third of the state is a product of ocean formation and orogenesis, and is marked by igneous and metamorphic rock close to a billion years old in some areas.
  
 
[[Image:Pennsylvania-counties-map.gif|thumb|250px|left|Counties of Pennsylvania]]
 
[[Image:Pennsylvania-counties-map.gif|thumb|250px|left|Counties of Pennsylvania]]
  
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The southern boundary of Pennsylvania was originally fixed at 40° North latitude, <ref>[http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/pa01.htm Penn's Charter]</ref> but as a result of a bad faith compromise by  [[Lord Baltimore]] during [[Cresap's War]], the king's courts moved the boundary 20 miles (32 km) south <ref name=cecil>[http://freepages.history.rootsweb.com/~amxroads/Homelands/cecil.html Cecil County, Maryland]</ref> to 39° 43' N, at the Mason-Dixon Line.  The city of Philadelphia, would have been split in half by the original boundary. While he was a captive, Cresap, a Marylander, was paraded through Philadelphia. He taunted the officers by announcing that Philadelphia was one of the prettiest towns in Maryland.
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The southern boundary of Pennsylvania was originally fixed at 40° North latitude, but as a result of a bad faith compromise by  [[Lord Baltimore]] during [[Cresap's War]], the king's courts moved the boundary 20 miles (32 km) south to 39° 43' N, at the Mason-Dixon Line.  The city of Philadelphia, would have been split in half by the original boundary. While he was a captive, Cresap, a Marylander, was paraded through Philadelphia. He taunted the officers by announcing that Philadelphia was one of the prettiest towns in Maryland.
  
 
== History ==  
 
== History ==  
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{{see|List of Pennsylvania firsts}}
 
{{see|List of Pennsylvania firsts}}
  
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Before the state was settled, the area was home to the [[Lenape|Delaware]] (also known as Lenni Lenape), [[Susquehannock]], [[Iroquois]], [[Erie]], [[Shawnee]], and other [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] tribes.<ref>[http://www.accessgenealogy.com/native/pennsylvania/ Pennsylvania Indian tribes]</ref>
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Before the state was settled, the area was home to the [[Lenape|Delaware]] (also known as Lenni Lenape), [[Susquehannock]], [[Iroquois]], [[Erie]], [[Shawnee]], and other [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] tribes.
  
 
[[Image:JohnDickinson.jpg|thumb|right|[[John Dickinson (delegate)|John Dickinson]]]]
 
[[Image:JohnDickinson.jpg|thumb|right|[[John Dickinson (delegate)|John Dickinson]]]]
  
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In 1681, [[Charles II of England|Charles II of England]]  granted a land charter<ref>[http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/states/pa01.htm Charter for the Province of Pennsylvania]</ref> to [[William Penn]], to repay a large debt owed to William's father, [[William Penn (admiral)|Admiral Penn]].  This was one of the largest land grants to an individual in history.<ref name=quapoly>[http://www.pym.org/exhibit/p078.html Quakers and the political process]</ref> The land included present-day [[Delaware]] and Pennsylvania.  It was called Pennsylvania, meaning "Penn's Woods", in honor of Admiral Penn.  In keeping with his deeply held Quaker beliefs, William Penn pursued amicable relations with the Native Americans then living in the area.  As an example, he negotiated contracts with them to purchase any lands of theirs that had been included in the King's grant. <http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/ppet/penn/page1.asp?secid=31>
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In 1681, [[Charles II of England|Charles II of England]]  granted a land charter to [[William Penn]], to repay a large debt owed to William's father, [[William Penn (admiral)|Admiral Penn]].  This was one of the largest land grants to an individual in history. The land included present-day [[Delaware]] and Pennsylvania.  It was called Pennsylvania, meaning "Penn's Woods", in honor of Admiral Penn.  In keeping with his deeply held Quaker beliefs, William Penn pursued amicable relations with the Native Americans then living in the area.  As an example, he negotiated contracts with them to purchase any lands of theirs that had been included in the King's grant.  
  
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Penn established a government with two innovations that were much copied in the New World: the county commission, a new model of small-scale self-governance, and freedom of religious conviction.<ref name=quapoly /> Writer [[Murray Rothbard]] in his four-volume history of the U.S., [[Conceived in Liberty]], refers to the years of 1681–90 as "Pennsylvania's Anarchist Experiment."<ref>[http://www.mises.org/story/1865 Pennsylvania's Anarchist Experiment]</ref>
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Penn established a government with two innovations that were much copied in the New World: the county commission, a new model of small-scale self-governance, and freedom of religious conviction. Writer [[Murray Rothbard]] in his four-volume history of the U.S., [[Conceived in Liberty]], refers to the years of 1681–90 as "Pennsylvania's Anarchist Experiment."
  
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After the [[Stamp Act Congress]] of 1765, Delegate [[John Dickinson (delegate)|John Dickinson]] of [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] wrote the ''Declaration of Rights and Grievances''. That Congress was the first meeting of the [[thirteen colonies]], called at the request of the [[Massachusetts]] Assembly, but only nine colonies sent delegates.<ref>[http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/continental/timeline.html Library of Congress timeline 1764–1765]</ref>  Dickinson then wrote ''Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, To the Inhabitants of the British Colonies'', which were published in the Pennsylvania Chronicle between [[December 2]], [[1767]], and [[February 15]], [[1768]].<ref>[http://18thcenturyreadingroom.blogspot.com/2005_10_01_18thcenturyreadingroom_archive.html Dickinson Letters]</ref> Pennsylvania, and particularly Philadelphia, played a key role in the forming of what was to become the United States, then referred to as the United Colonies of America.
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After the [[Stamp Act Congress]] of 1765, Delegate [[John Dickinson (delegate)|John Dickinson]] of [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] wrote the ''Declaration of Rights and Grievances''. That Congress was the first meeting of the [[thirteen colonies]], called at the request of the [[Massachusetts]] Assembly, but only nine colonies sent delegates. Dickinson then wrote ''Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, To the Inhabitants of the British Colonies'', which were published in the Pennsylvania Chronicle between [[December 2]], [[1767]], and [[February 15]], [[1768]]. Pennsylvania, and particularly Philadelphia, played a key role in the forming of what was to become the United States, then referred to as the United Colonies of America.
  
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When the [[Founding Fathers of the United States]] were to convene in Philadelphia in 1774, 12 colonies sent representatives to the [[First Continental Congress]].<ref>[http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/continental/timeline1e.html Library of Congress timeline 1773–1774]</ref>  The First Continental Congress drew up and signed the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] in Philadelphia,<ref>[http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/DeclarInd.html Library of Congress: Primary documents — The Declaration of Independence]</ref> but when that city was captured by the British, the Continental Congress escaped westward, meeting at the [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]] courthouse on Saturday, [[September 27]], [[1777]], and then to [[York, Pennsylvania|York]]. There they drew up the [[Articles of Confederation]] that formed 13 independent colonies into a new nation. Later, the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]] was written, and Philadelphia was once again chosen to be cradle to the new American Nation.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/reference/reference_item/Nine_Capitals_of_the_United_States.htm Nine Capitals of the United States]</ref>
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When the [[Founding Fathers of the United States]] were to convene in Philadelphia in 1774, 12 colonies sent representatives to the [[First Continental Congress]]. The First Continental Congress drew up and signed the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]] in Philadelphia, but when that city was captured by the British, the Continental Congress escaped westward, meeting at the [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]] courthouse on Saturday, [[September 27]], [[1777]], and then to [[York, Pennsylvania|York]]. There they drew up the [[Articles of Confederation]] that formed 13 independent colonies into a new nation. Later, the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]] was written, and Philadelphia was once again chosen to be cradle to the new American Nation.
  
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Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the [[U.S. Constitution]] on [[December 12]], [[1787]],<ref>[http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec12.html Pennsylvania ratifies the Constitution of 1787]</ref> five days after [[Delaware]] became the first.
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Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the [[U.S. Constitution]] on [[December 12]], [[1787]], five days after [[Delaware]] became the first.
  
 
[[Image:HillsCapitol.jpg|right|frame|The "Redbrick Capitol", used from 1821 until it burned in 1897]]
 
[[Image:HillsCapitol.jpg|right|frame|The "Redbrick Capitol", used from 1821 until it burned in 1897]]
  
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For half a century, the Pennsylvania state legislature met at various places in the general Philadelphia area before starting to meet regularly in Independence Hall in Philadelphia for 63 years.<ref name=legiscap>[http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/VC/visitor_info/brown/capitols.htm Pennsylvania's Capitals]</ref> In 1799, the legislature moved to the more central [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]] Courthouse,<ref name=legiscap/> and finally, in 1812, to [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]].<ref name=legiscap /> The legislature met in the old [[Dauphin County, Pennsylvania|Dauphin County]] Court House until December 1821,<ref name=legiscap/> when the ''Redbrick Capitol'' was finished. It burned down in 1897<ref name=legiscap/> and the legislature met at Grace Methodist Church on State Street (still standing), until the present capitol was finished in 1907.<ref name=legiscap/>
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For half a century, the Pennsylvania state legislature met at various places in the general Philadelphia area before starting to meet regularly in Independence Hall in Philadelphia for 63 years. In 1799, the legislature moved to the more central [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]] Courthouse, and finally, in 1812, to [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]]. The legislature met in the old [[Dauphin County, Pennsylvania|Dauphin County]] Court House until December 1821, when the ''Redbrick Capitol'' was finished. It burned down in 1897 and the legislature met at Grace Methodist Church on State Street (still standing), until the present capitol was finished in 1907.  
  
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The dome of the new [[Pennsylvania State Capitol|new state Capitol]] was inspired by the domes of [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Rome]] and the United States Capitol.<ref name=legiscap/> [[President of the United States|President]] [[Theodore Roosevelt]] called it the "the most beautiful state Capitol in the nation", and said "It's the handsomest building I ever saw" at the dedication.  In 1989, the ''[[New York Times]]'' praised it as "grand, even awesome at moments, but it is also a working building, accessible to citizens ... a building that connects with the reality of daily life."<ref name=legiscap/>
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The dome of the new [[Pennsylvania State Capitol|new state Capitol]] was inspired by the domes of [[St. Peter's Basilica]] in [[Rome]] and the United States Capitol.  [[President of the United States|President]] [[Theodore Roosevelt]] called it the "the most beautiful state Capitol in the nation", and said "It's the handsomest building I ever saw" at the dedication.  In 1989, the ''[[New York Times]]'' praised it as "grand, even awesome at moments, but it is also a working building, accessible to citizens ... a building that connects with the reality of daily life."
  
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[[James Buchanan]], of [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania]], was the only bachelor [[President of the United States]].<ref name="jimbo">[http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/jb15.html James Buchanan White House biography]</ref> The [[Battle of Gettysburg]] — the major turning point of the Civil War — took place near [[Gettysburg, Pennsylvania|Gettysburg]].<ref>[http://americancivilwar.com/getty.html Battle of Gettysburg]</ref>
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[[James Buchanan]], of [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania]], was the only bachelor [[President of the United States]]. The [[Battle of Gettysburg]] — the major turning point of the Civil War — took place near [[Gettysburg, Pennsylvania|Gettysburg]]. Pennsylvania, bordering the south, played an important role in the operation of the Underground Railroad, prior to the Civil War. The term "Underground Railroad" is believed to have been coined by a disgruntled Southerner who believed only some sort of "underground railroad" could account for the disappearance of so many escaped slaves upon reaching Columbia, PA, just twenty  miles from the border with Maryland.  Pennsylvania's Quaker beginnings led to the earliest anti-slavery movement in the colonies; in 1780, the Pennsylvania Gradual Abolition Act was the first law passed in the US for emancipation.
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Pennsylvania, bordering the south, played an important role in the operation of the Underground Railroad, prior to the Civil War. The term "Underground Railroad" is believed to have been coined by a disgruntled Southerner who believed only some sort of "underground railroad" could account for the disappearance of so many escaped slaves upon reaching Columbia, PA, just twenty  miles from the border with Maryland.  Pennsylvania's Quaker beginnings led to the earliest anti-slavery movement in the colonies; in 1780, the Pennsylvania Gradual Abolition Act was the first law passed in the US for emancipation. <ref> ''Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission''. [http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/pahist/quaker.asp?secid=31 The Quaker Province] Retrieved October 27, 2007. </ref>
 
  
 
== Demographics ==
 
== Demographics ==
 
{{see|List of prominent people from Pennsylvania}}
 
{{see|List of prominent people from Pennsylvania}}
 
{{US Demographics|state=Pennsylvania}}
 
{{US Demographics|state=Pennsylvania}}
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The [[center of population]] of Pennsylvania is located in [[Perry County, Pennsylvania|Perry County]], in the borough of [[Duncannon, Pennsylvania|Duncannon]] [http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt].
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The [[center of population]] of Pennsylvania is located in [[Perry County, Pennsylvania|Perry County]], in the borough of [[Duncannon, Pennsylvania|Duncannon]].
  
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As of 2006, Pennsylvania has an estimated population of 12,440,621, which is an increase of 35,273 from the previous year, and an increase of 159,567 since the year 2000. Net [[migration]] from other states resulted in a decrease of 27,718, and [[Immigration to the United States|immigration]] from other countries resulted in an increase of 126,007.  Net migration to the state was 98,289.  Migration of native Pennsylvanians resulted in a decrease of 100,000 people. In 2006, 5.00% of Pennsylvanians were foreign born (621,480 people).<ref>[http://www.census.gov/popest/states/tables/NST-EST2004-04.pdf Components of Population Change]</ref>
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As of 2006, Pennsylvania has an estimated population of 12,440,621, which is an increase of 35,273 from the previous year, and an increase of 159,567 since the year 2000. Net [[migration]] from other states resulted in a decrease of 27,718, and [[Immigration to the United States|immigration]] from other countries resulted in an increase of 126,007.  Net migration to the state was 98,289.  Migration of native Pennsylvanians resulted in a decrease of 100,000 people. In 2006, 5.00% of Pennsylvanians were foreign born (621,480 people).  
  
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Foreign-born Pennsylvanians are largely from [[Asia]] (36.0%), [[Europe]] (35.9%), [[Latin America]] (30.6%), 5% coming from [[Africa]], 3.1% coming from [[North America]], and 0.4% coming from Oceania.<ref name=paprof />
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Foreign-born Pennsylvanians are largely from [[Asia]] (36.0%), [[Europe]] (35.9%), [[Latin America]] (30.6%), 5% coming from [[Africa]], 3.1% coming from [[North America]], and 0.4% coming from Oceania.
  
 
[[Image:Pennsylvania population map.png|thumb|left|230px|Pennsylvania Population Distribution]]
 
[[Image:Pennsylvania population map.png|thumb|left|230px|Pennsylvania Population Distribution]]
  
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Pennsylvania's reported population of Hispanics, especially among the Asian, Hawaiian and White races, has markedly increased in the last years.<ref name=annest>[http://www.census.gov/popest/states/asrh/tables/SC-EST2004-03-42.xls Annual Estimates of the Population]</ref>  It is not clear how much of this change reflects a changing population, and how much reflects increased willingness to self-identify minority status.  
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Pennsylvania's reported population of Hispanics, especially among the Asian, Hawaiian and White races, has markedly increased in the last years. It is not clear how much of this change reflects a changing population, and how much reflects increased willingness to self-identify minority status.  
  
  
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Pennsylvania's population was reported as 5.9% under 5 and 23.8% under 18, with 15.6% were 65 or older. Females made up 51.7% of the population.<ref name="censusPA">[http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=&geo_id=04000US42&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US42&_street=&_county=&_cityTown=&_state=04000US42&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=040&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=ACS_2004_SAFF&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null®=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry= FactFinder: Census 2000 Demographic Profile Highlights]</ref>
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Pennsylvania's population was reported as 5.9% under 5 and 23.8% under 18, with 15.6% were 65 or older. Females made up 51.7% of the population.
  
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The five largest ancestry groups self-reported in Pennsylvania are: [[German American|German]] (27.66%), [[Irish American|Irish]] (17.66%), [[Italian American|Italian]] (12.82%), [[English Americans|English]] (8.89%) and [[Polish American|Polish]] (7.23%).<ref>[http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Products/Profiles/Chg/2003/ACS/Tabular/040/04000US422.htm American Community Survey 2003 Multi-Year Survey for Pennsylvania]</ref>
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The five largest ancestry groups self-reported in Pennsylvania are: [[German American|German]] (27.66%), [[Irish American|Irish]] (17.66%), [[Italian American|Italian]] (12.82%), [[English Americans|English]] (8.89%) and [[Polish American|Polish]] (7.23%).
  
 
=== Religion ===
 
=== Religion ===
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{{cquote|The new sovereign also enacted several wise and wholesome laws for his colony, which have remained invariably the same to this day. The chief is, to ill–treat no person on account of religion, and to consider as brethren all those who believe in one God. - [[Voltaire]], speaking of [[William Penn]]<ref>[http://oll.libertyfund.org/Texts/Voltaire0265/Works/Vol19-HTMLs/0060-19_Pt02.html The Works of Voltaire, volume 19]</ref>}}  
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{{cquote|The new sovereign also enacted several wise and wholesome laws for his colony, which have remained invariably the same to this day. The chief is, to ill–treat no person on account of religion, and to consider as brethren all those who believe in one God. - [[Voltaire]], speaking of [[William Penn]]}}  
  
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Of all the colonies, only in [[Rhode Island]] was religious freedom so secure as in Pennsylvania - and one result was an incredible religious [[Multiculturalism|diversity]], one which continues to this day.<ref>[http://cip.cornell.edu/Dienst/UI/1.0/Summarize/psu.ph/1134140590 Religious diversity in Pennsylvania]</ref>    
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Of all the colonies, only in [[Rhode Island]] was religious freedom so secure as in Pennsylvania - and one result was an incredible religious [[Multiculturalism|diversity]], one which continues to this day.   
 
      
 
      
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IN 2000, 8,448,193 of 12,281,054 citizens of Pennsylvania were estimated to belong to some sort of organized religion. According to the [[Association of religion data archives]] at [[Pennsylvania State University]], reliable data exists for 7,116,348 religious adherents in Pennsylvania in 2000, following 115 different faiths.<ref name=arda>[http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/42_2000.asp The ARDA]</ref> Their affiliations,  including percentage of all adherents, were:<ref>These statistics are based on 7,116,348 of the estimated 8,448,193 religious adherents in Pennsylvania,<!--ref name=arda /—> and only the largest of 115 different faiths are reported here. Data excludes most of the historically African-American denominations. Public Law 94-521 prevents the Census Bureau from collecting better data, so this information comes from the [[Association of religion data archives]] at [[Pennsylvania State University|Penn State]].) Terms used to describe organizations are ARDA's, and may not be the group's own preferred name.</ref>
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IN 2000, 8,448,193 of 12,281,054 citizens of Pennsylvania were estimated to belong to some sort of organized religion. According to the [[Association of religion data archives]] at [[Pennsylvania State University]], reliable data exists for 7,116,348 religious adherents in Pennsylvania in 2000, following 115 different faiths. Their affiliations,  including percentage of all adherents, were:<ref>These statistics are based on 7,116,348 of the estimated 8,448,193 religious adherents in Pennsylvania,<!--ref name=arda /—> and only the largest of 115 different faiths are reported here. Data excludes most of the historically African-American denominations. Public Law 94-521 prevents the Census Bureau from collecting better data, so this information comes from the [[Association of religion data archives]] at [[Pennsylvania State University|Penn State]].) Terms used to describe organizations are ARDA's, and may not be the group's own preferred name.</ref>
 
* [[Roman Catholic]]: 3,802,524 (53.43%)
 
* [[Roman Catholic]]: 3,802,524 (53.43%)
 
* [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]]: 75,354 (1.06%)  
 
* [[Orthodox Church|Orthodox]]: 75,354 (1.06%)  
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** [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]: 31,032 (0.44%)
 
** [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]: 31,032 (0.44%)
  
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Pennsylvania is also noted for having the highest concentration of an [[Amish]] population in the United States.<ref>http://www.800padutch.com/amish.shtml</ref>
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Pennsylvania is also noted for having the highest concentration of an [[Amish]] population in the United States.
  
 
While Pennsylvania owes its existence to [[Quakers]] and many of the older institutions of the state are rooted in the teachings of the [[Religious Society of Friends]] (as they are officially known), practicing Quakers are a small minority today.
 
While Pennsylvania owes its existence to [[Quakers]] and many of the older institutions of the state are rooted in the teachings of the [[Religious Society of Friends]] (as they are officially known), practicing Quakers are a small minority today.
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[[Image:1999 PA Proof.png|left|50px|thumb [[50 State Quarters|Pennsylvania State Quarter]]]]
 
[[Image:1999 PA Proof.png|left|50px|thumb [[50 State Quarters|Pennsylvania State Quarter]]]]
 
[[Image:Bethlehem Steel.jpg|thumb|225px|right|[[Bethlehem Steel]]'s closed manufacturing facility in [[Bethlehem, Pennsylvania]]. This site will become the site of a new multi-million dollar casino in 2007.]]
 
[[Image:Bethlehem Steel.jpg|thumb|225px|right|[[Bethlehem Steel]]'s closed manufacturing facility in [[Bethlehem, Pennsylvania]]. This site will become the site of a new multi-million dollar casino in 2007.]]
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Pennsylvania's 2005 total [[gross state product]] (GSP) of $430.31 billion<ref name=beaxls>[http://www.bea.gov/bea/newsrelarchive/2006/gsp0606.xls Bureau of Economic Analysis]</ref> ranks the state 6<sup>th</sup> in the nation. If Pennsylvania were an independent country, its economy would rank as the 17<sup>th</sup> largest in the world, ahead of [[Belgium]], but behind the [[Netherlands]].  Pennsylvania's per-capita GSP of $34,619 ranks 26<sup>th</sup> among the 50 states.<ref name=beaxls />
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Pennsylvania's 2005 total [[gross state product]] (GSP) of $430.31 billion ranks the state 6<sup>th</sup> in the nation. If Pennsylvania were an independent country, its economy would rank as the 17<sup>th</sup> largest in the world, ahead of [[Belgium]], but behind the [[Netherlands]].  Pennsylvania's per-capita GSP of $34,619 ranks 26<sup>th</sup> among the 50 states.  
  
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Philadelphia in the southeast corner and Pittsburgh in the southwest corner are urban manufacturing centers, with the "t-shaped" remainder of the state being much more rural; this dichotomy affects state politics as well as the state economy.<ref>[http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-11042003-190258.html Appeals court races wrap up with focus on voter mobilization]</ref> Philadelphia is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies,<ref name=F500>[http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/states/P.html Fortune 500]</ref>  with more located in suburbs like [[King of Prussia, Pennsylvania|King of Prussia]]; it's a leader in the financial<ref>[http://www.phlx.com/ Philadelphia stock exchange]</ref> and insurance industry.<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2002/01/07/story11.html Tragedy of 9/11 pummels insurance industry]</ref> Pittsburgh is home to 6 Fortune 500 companies, including [[U.S. Steel]], [[PPG Industries]], [[H.J. Heinz]], and [[Alcoa]].<ref name=F500 /> In all, Pennsylvania is home to 49 Fortune 500 companies.<ref name=F500>
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Philadelphia in the southeast corner and Pittsburgh in the southwest corner are urban manufacturing centers, with the "t-shaped" remainder of the state being much more rural; this dichotomy affects state politics as well as the state economy. Philadelphia is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies, with more located in suburbs like [[King of Prussia, Pennsylvania|King of Prussia]]; it's a leader in the financial and insurance industry.<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2002/01/07/story11.html Tragedy of 9/11 pummels insurance industry]</ref> Pittsburgh is home to 6 Fortune 500 companies, including [[U.S. Steel]], [[PPG Industries]], [[H.J. Heinz]], and [[Alcoa]]. In all, Pennsylvania is home to 49 Fortune 500 companies.
  
 
The largest private employer in the state is [[Wal-Mart]], followed by the [[University of Pennsylvania]], [[United Parcel Service]] and [[Giant Food of Carlisle, Pennsylvania|Giant Food]]. The largest manufacturing employer is [[Merck]].<ref>[http://www.passhe.edu/content/?/audiences/students/employers Largest Employers in Pennsylvania]</ref>
 
The largest private employer in the state is [[Wal-Mart]], followed by the [[University of Pennsylvania]], [[United Parcel Service]] and [[Giant Food of Carlisle, Pennsylvania|Giant Food]]. The largest manufacturing employer is [[Merck]].<ref>[http://www.passhe.edu/content/?/audiences/students/employers Largest Employers in Pennsylvania]</ref>
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=== Manufacturing ===
 
=== Manufacturing ===
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Pennsylvania's factories and workshops manufacture 16.1% of the Gross State Product (GSP); only 10 states are more industrialized.<ref name=gsp2>[http://www.nemw.org/gsp2.htm Northeast-Midwest Institute calculations based on data from the BEA]</ref>  Metal products, chemicals, transportation equipment, machinery, glass and plastic products are the major industrial outputs.  While [[Education]]al Services is only 1.8% of the state's GSP, that's twice the national average; only [[Massachusetts]], [[Rhode Island]] and [[Vermont]] outrank Pennsylvania.<ref name=gsp2 />  Although Pennsylvania is known as a [[coal]] state, [[mining]] only amounts to 0.6% of the state's economy, compared to 1.3% for the country as a whole.<ref name=gsp2 />  
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Pennsylvania's factories and workshops manufacture 16.1% of the Gross State Product (GSP); only 10 states are more industrialized. Metal products, chemicals, transportation equipment, machinery, glass and plastic products are the major industrial outputs.  While [[Education]]al Services is only 1.8% of the state's GSP, that's twice the national average; only [[Massachusetts]], [[Rhode Island]] and [[Vermont]] outrank Pennsylvania. Although Pennsylvania is known as a [[coal]] state, [[mining]] only amounts to 0.6% of the state's economy, compared to 1.3% for the country as a whole.   
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[[Image:Farming near Klingerstown, Pennsylvania.jpg|left|thumb|225px|Farming near [[Klingerstown, Pennsylvania]].]]  Once the leading producer of steel in the 19th and 20th centuries, Pennsylvania's steel industry has declined significantly.  Pennsylvania remains an important source of coal, petroleum and natural gas.<ref http://www.shgresources.com/pa/economy/>
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[[Image:Farming near Klingerstown, Pennsylvania.jpg|left|thumb|225px|Farming near [[Klingerstown, Pennsylvania]].]]  Once the leading producer of steel in the 19th and 20th centuries, Pennsylvania's steel industry has declined significantly.  Pennsylvania remains an important source of coal, petroleum and natural gas.
  
 
A small subsector of manufacturing that flourishes in Pennsylvania is specialty foods production.  According to ''Pennsylvania Snacks: A Guide to Food Factory Tours'', author Sharon Hernes Silverman calls Pennsylvania the snack food capital of the world. It leads all other states in the manufacture of pretzels and potato chips. The U.S. chocolate industry is centered in [[Hershey, Pennsylvania]], with [[Mars]] and [[Wilbur Chocolate Company]] nearby, and smaller manufacturers such as Asher's near [[Lansdale]] and [[Gertrude Hawk]] of [[Dunmore, Pennsylvania|Dunmore]]. Other notable companies include [[Just Born]] in [[Bethlehem, PA]], makers of [[Hot Tamales]], [[Mike and Ike]]s, and the [[Easter]] favorite marshmallow [[Peeps]], [[Benzel's Pretzels]] and [[Boyer Candies]] of [[Altoona, PA]], which is well known for its [[Mallow Cups]]. Auntie Anne's Pretzels originated in Gap, but their corporate headquarters is now located in Lancaster, PA.
 
A small subsector of manufacturing that flourishes in Pennsylvania is specialty foods production.  According to ''Pennsylvania Snacks: A Guide to Food Factory Tours'', author Sharon Hernes Silverman calls Pennsylvania the snack food capital of the world. It leads all other states in the manufacture of pretzels and potato chips. The U.S. chocolate industry is centered in [[Hershey, Pennsylvania]], with [[Mars]] and [[Wilbur Chocolate Company]] nearby, and smaller manufacturers such as Asher's near [[Lansdale]] and [[Gertrude Hawk]] of [[Dunmore, Pennsylvania|Dunmore]]. Other notable companies include [[Just Born]] in [[Bethlehem, PA]], makers of [[Hot Tamales]], [[Mike and Ike]]s, and the [[Easter]] favorite marshmallow [[Peeps]], [[Benzel's Pretzels]] and [[Boyer Candies]] of [[Altoona, PA]], which is well known for its [[Mallow Cups]]. Auntie Anne's Pretzels originated in Gap, but their corporate headquarters is now located in Lancaster, PA.
  
 
=== Agriculture ===
 
=== Agriculture ===
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Pennsylvania is an important source of food products.  It ranks 19<sup>th</sup> overall in agricultural production,<ref name=ag>[http://www.nass.usda.gov/census/census02/profiles/pa/cp99042.PDF Agricultural Census 2002]</ref> but first in mushrooms, third in [[Christmas tree]]s and [[laying chicken]]s, fourth in [[nursery]] and [[sod]], [[milk]], [[maize|corn]] for [[silage]], and [[horse]] production. Only about 9,600 of the state's 58,000 farmers have sales of $100,000 or more, and with production expenses equaling 84.9% of sales, most have a net farming income below the $19,806 that marks poverty for a family of four,<ref>[http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/threshld/thresh05.html Poverty levels]</ref>and that does not reflect the 12.4% self-employment tax as well.<ref>[http://www.irs.gov/publications/p225/index.html IRS: Tax Guide for farmers]</ref> The farming population is aging; the average farmer is 53<ref>[http://www.ruralpa.org/news0304.html Center for Rural Pennsylvania]</ref> programs/documents/Mid-Atlantic_Forum_Summary.pdf Mid-Atlantic Farm Policy Leadership Forum]</ref>
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Pennsylvania is an important source of food products.  It ranks 19<sup>th</sup> overall in agricultural production, but first in mushrooms, third in [[Christmas tree]]s and [[laying chicken]]s, fourth in [[nursery]] and [[sod]], [[milk]], [[maize|corn]] for [[silage]], and [[horse]] production. Only about 9,600 of the state's 58,000 farmers have sales of $100,000 or more, and with production expenses equaling 84.9% of sales, most have a net farming income below the $19,806 that marks poverty for a family of four, and that does not reflect the 12.4% self-employment tax as well. The farming population is aging; the average farmer is 53. Many farms in the southeastern part of the state have been sold to housing developers in the past years. This is largely due to rising taxes and land prices, reflecting high demand for land in the nation's fifth largest metropolitan area. Bucks and Montgomery counties were the first to suburbanize, but this trend is now extending to Chester, Lancaster, Berks, and Lehigh counties.
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Many farms in the southeastern part of the state have been sold to housing developers in the past years. This is largely due to rising taxes and land prices, reflecting high demand for land in the nation's fifth largest metropolitan area. Bucks and Montgomery counties were the first to suburbanize, but this trend is now extending to Chester, Lancaster, Berks, and Lehigh counties.
 
  
 
=== Tourism ===
 
=== Tourism ===
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Pennsylvania draws 2.1% of the Gross State Product from accommodation and food services. In contrast, only [[Connecticut]], [[Delaware]], and [[Iowa]] have lower numbers.  [[Nevada]] gets a whopping 14.2% of their GSP that way.<ref name=gsp2 /> Philadelphia draws tourists to see the [[Liberty Bell]], [[Independence Hall (United States)|Independence Hall]], the [[Franklin Institute]], and [[Rocky Steps|the steps]] of the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]], while [[the Poconos]] <ref>[http://www.800poconos.com/ Poconos tourism] </ref> attract honeymooners, golfers and fishermen.  The [[Delaware Water Gap]]<ref>[http://www.nps.gov/dewa/ Delaware Water Gap]</ref> and [[Allegheny National Forest]] appeal to boaters, hikers, and nature lovers. Fourteen slots casinos, the majority of which are either in the process of being awarded licenses from the [[Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board]] or are under construction, are expected to make up a good portion of tourism in the Commonwealth.  
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Pennsylvania draws 2.1% of the Gross State Product from accommodation and food services. In contrast, only [[Connecticut]], [[Delaware]], and [[Iowa]] have lower numbers.  [[Nevada]] gets a whopping 14.2% of their GSP that way. Philadelphia draws tourists to see the [[Liberty Bell]], [[Independence Hall (United States)|Independence Hall]], the [[Franklin Institute]], and [[Rocky Steps|the steps]] of the [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]], while [[the Poconos]] attract honeymooners, golfers and fishermen.  The [[Delaware Water Gap]] and [[Allegheny National Forest]] appeal to boaters, hikers, and nature lovers. Fourteen slots casinos, the majority of which are either in the process of being awarded licenses from the [[Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board]] or are under construction, are expected to make up a good portion of tourism in the Commonwealth.  
  
 
The state government launched an extensive tourism campaign in 2003 under the direction of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.  An extensive website [http://www.visitPA.com VisitPA], has been established to promote visits to the state.
 
The state government launched an extensive tourism campaign in 2003 under the direction of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.  An extensive website [http://www.visitPA.com VisitPA], has been established to promote visits to the state.
  
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The [[Plain sects|Pennsylvania Dutch]] region in south-central Pennsylvania is a favorite for sightseers. The Pennsylvania Dutch, including the [[Amish|Old Order Amish]], the [[Mennonites|Old Order Mennonites]] and at least 35 other sects,<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/adhloc/Wh_274.html Page 10, The Riddle of Amish Culture, 2001. ISBN 0-8018-6772-X]</ref> are common in the rural areas around the cities of [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]], [[York, Pennsylvania|York]], and Harrisburg, with smaller numbers extending northeast to the [[Lehigh Valley]] and up the Susquehanna River valley.
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The [[Plain sects|Pennsylvania Dutch]] region in south-central Pennsylvania is a favorite for sightseers. The Pennsylvania Dutch, including the [[Amish|Old Order Amish]], the [[Mennonites|Old Order Mennonites]] and at least 35 other sects, are common in the rural areas around the cities of [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]], [[York, Pennsylvania|York]], and Harrisburg, with smaller numbers extending northeast to the [[Lehigh Valley]] and up the Susquehanna River valley.
  
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The term "Dutch", when referring to the Pennsylvania Dutch, means "German" or "Teutonic" rather than "Netherlander". Germans, in their own language, call themselves "Deutsch", which in English became, misleadingly, "Dutch".<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=dutch&x=57&y=13 Definition of "dutch"]</ref> The [[Pennsylvania German language|Pennsylvania Dutch language]] is a descendant of [[German language|German]], in the [[West Central German]] dialect family.
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The term "Dutch", when referring to the Pennsylvania Dutch, means "German" or "Teutonic" rather than "Netherlander". Germans, in their own language, call themselves "Deutsch", which in English became, misleadingly, "Dutch". The [[Pennsylvania German language|Pennsylvania Dutch language]] is a descendant of [[German language|German]], in the [[West Central German]] dialect family.
 
    
 
    
 
Among the regional foods associated with Pennsylvania are the [[pierogies]], [[cheesesteak]] and the [[hoagie]], the [[soft pretzel]], [[Italian water ice]], [[scrapple]], [[Tastykake]], and the [[Stromboli (food)|stromboli]]. In Pittsburgh, tomato ketchup was standardized and bottled by [[H. J. Heinz Company|Henry John Heinz]] from 1876 to the early 1900s. Somewhat less famous are the Pittsburgh's [[Primanti Brothers Restaurant]] sandwiches. Outside the city of [[Scranton]], in the Borough of [[Old Forge, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania|Old Forge]] there are dozens of Italian restaurants specializing in pizza made unique by thick, light crust and American cheese. [[Sauerkraut]] along with pork and mashed potatoes is a common meal on New Year's Day in Pennsylvania.
 
Among the regional foods associated with Pennsylvania are the [[pierogies]], [[cheesesteak]] and the [[hoagie]], the [[soft pretzel]], [[Italian water ice]], [[scrapple]], [[Tastykake]], and the [[Stromboli (food)|stromboli]]. In Pittsburgh, tomato ketchup was standardized and bottled by [[H. J. Heinz Company|Henry John Heinz]] from 1876 to the early 1900s. Somewhat less famous are the Pittsburgh's [[Primanti Brothers Restaurant]] sandwiches. Outside the city of [[Scranton]], in the Borough of [[Old Forge, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania|Old Forge]] there are dozens of Italian restaurants specializing in pizza made unique by thick, light crust and American cheese. [[Sauerkraut]] along with pork and mashed potatoes is a common meal on New Year's Day in Pennsylvania.
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== Politics ==
 
== Politics ==
 
=== State government ===
 
=== State government ===
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Pennsylvania has had five [[Pennsylvania Constitution|constitution]]s during its statehood:<ref name=jenkinslaw>[http://www.jenkinslaw.org/collection/researchguides/publications/ann-constitutions.php 23 Pennsylvania Law Weekly 324 (March 27, 2000)]</ref> 1776, 1790, 1838, 1874, and [http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Constitution.html 1968]. Prior to that, the province of Pennsylvania was governed for a century by a [[Frame of Government]], of which there were four versions: 1682, 1683, 1696, and 1701.<ref name=jenkinslaw />
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Pennsylvania has had five [[Pennsylvania Constitution|constitution]]s during its statehood: 1776, 1790, 1838, 1874, and [http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Constitution.html 1968]. Prior to that, the province of Pennsylvania was governed for a century by a [[Frame of Government]], of which there were four versions: 1682, 1683, 1696, and 1701.
  
 
[[Image:PaCap.jpg|right|thumb|The current Pennsylvania Capitol]]
 
[[Image:PaCap.jpg|right|thumb|The current Pennsylvania Capitol]]
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The Executive Branch is made up of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General. Auditor, and State Treasurer, all elected officials.
 
The Executive Branch is made up of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General. Auditor, and State Treasurer, all elected officials.
  
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Pennsylvania has a [[bicameral legislature]] set up by state's constitution in 1790.  The original Frame of Government of William Penn had a unicameral legislature.<ref>[http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/BAH/dam/rg/rg7.htm Pennsylvania State Archives]</ref> The [[Pennsylvania General Assembly|General Assembly]] includes 50 [[Pennsylvania Senate|Senators]]<ref>[http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/senators_alpha.cfm Pennsylvania Senators]</ref> and 203 [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives|Representatives]].<ref>[http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/representatives_alpha.cfm Pennsylvania House of Representatives]</ref> The 2006 election resulted in the Democrats regaining control of the House and the Republicans' retaining control of the Senate.  
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Pennsylvania has a [[bicameral legislature]] set up by state's constitution in 1790.  The original Frame of Government of William Penn had a unicameral legislature.  The [[Pennsylvania General Assembly|General Assembly]] includes 50 [[Pennsylvania Senate|Senators]] and 203 [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives|Representatives]]. The 2006 election resulted in the Democrats regaining control of the House and the Republicans' retaining control of the Senate.  
  
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Pennsylvania is divided into 60 judicial districts,<ref name=courts>[http://www.courts.state.pa.us/Index/CommonPleas/Judicialdistricts.asp Judicial districts]</ref> most of which (except [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]] and [[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania|Allegheny]] Counties) have magisterial district judges (formerly called district justices and justices of the peace), who preside mainly over minor criminal offenses and small civil claims.<ref name=courts /> Most criminal and civil cases originate in the Courts of Common Pleas, which also serve as [[appellate court]]s to the district judges and for local agency decisions.<ref name=courts/> The Superior Court hears all appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas not expressly designated to the Commonwealth Court or Supreme Court. It also has [[original jurisdiction]] to review [[Warrant (law)|warrant]]s for [[Telephone tapping|wiretap]] surveillance.<ref name=courts/> The Commonwealth Court is limited to appeals from final orders of certain state agencies and certain designated cases from the Courts of Common Pleas.<ref name=courts/> The [[Supreme Court of Pennsylvania]] is the final appellate court. All judges in Pennsylvania are elected; the [[chief justice]] is determined by seniority.<ref name=courts/>
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Pennsylvania is divided into 60 judicial districts, most of which (except [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]] and [[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania|Allegheny]] Counties) have magisterial district judges (formerly called district justices and justices of the peace), who preside mainly over minor criminal offenses and small civil claims. Most criminal and civil cases originate in the Courts of Common Pleas, which also serve as [[appellate court]]s to the district judges and for local agency decisions. The Superior Court hears all appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas not expressly designated to the Commonwealth Court or Supreme Court. It also has [[original jurisdiction]] to review [[Warrant (law)|warrant]]s for [[Telephone tapping|wiretap]] surveillance. The Commonwealth Court is limited to appeals from final orders of certain state agencies and certain designated cases from the Courts of Common Pleas. The [[Supreme Court of Pennsylvania]] is the final appellate court. All judges in Pennsylvania are elected; the [[chief justice]] is determined by seniority.
  
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[[Sales tax]] provides 39% of state revenue; personal income tax 34%; motor vehicle taxes about 12%, and taxes on cigarettes and alcohol beverage 5%.<ref>''Revenue Department Releases August Collections (09/01/2006)'' [http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/revenue/CWP/view.asp?Q=261929&A=208 http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/revenue/CWP/view.asp?Q=261929&A=208] Retrieved [[25 September]] [[2006]].</ref>  
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[[Sales tax]] provides 39% of state revenue; personal income tax 34%; motor vehicle taxes about 12%, and taxes on cigarettes and alcohol beverage 5%.   
  
 
Counties, municipalities, and [[school district]]s levy taxes on real estate. In addition, some local bodies assess a [[income tax|wage tax]] on personal income. Generally, the total wage tax rate is capped at 1% of income but some municipalities with [[home rule]] charters may charge more than 1%. Thirty-two of the state's sixty-seven counties levy a [[property tax|personal property tax]] on stocks, bonds, and similar holdings.
 
Counties, municipalities, and [[school district]]s levy taxes on real estate. In addition, some local bodies assess a [[income tax|wage tax]] on personal income. Generally, the total wage tax rate is capped at 1% of income but some municipalities with [[home rule]] charters may charge more than 1%. Thirty-two of the state's sixty-seven counties levy a [[property tax|personal property tax]] on stocks, bonds, and similar holdings.
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Municipalities in Pennsylvania are incorporated as [[city|cities]], [[Borough_(United_States)#Pennsylvania|boroughs]], or [[Township (Pennsylvania)|townships]].  
 
Municipalities in Pennsylvania are incorporated as [[city|cities]], [[Borough_(United_States)#Pennsylvania|boroughs]], or [[Township (Pennsylvania)|townships]].  
  
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There is some confusion about the number of "towns" in Pennsylvania. In 1870, [[Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania|Bloomsburg]], the county seat of [[Columbia County, Pennsylvania|Columbia County]] was incorporated as a town, and is recognized by state government publications as "the only incorporated town" in Pennsylvania.<ref name ="PAmanual">[http://www.dgs.state.pa.us/pamanual/cwp/view.asp?a=437&Q=129762&pm=1&pamanualNav=| The Pennsylvania Manual 117]</ref><ref>[http://www.newpa.com/download.aspx?id=82 ''Pennsylvania Local Government Fact Sheet'', 2005]</ref><ref>[http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/deskbook06/Basics01_Local_Government_Entities.pdf "Local Government Entities in Pennsylvania"] and [http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/deskbook06/Basics08_Municipal_Statistics.pdf "Municipal Statistics"] in [http://www.lgc.state.pa.us/deskbook.html ''Legislator’s Municipal Deskbook for Pennsylvania'']</ref>  However, in 1975, [[McCandless, Pennsylvania|McCandless Township]], in [[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania|Allegheny County]] adopted a home rule charter under the name "Town of McCandless".<ref>[http://www.columbiamontourchamber.com/Alliance/quality_of_life.html Bloomsburg]</ref><ref>[http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/302/chapter23/chap23toc.html McCandless]</ref>
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There is some confusion about the number of "towns" in Pennsylvania. In 1870, [[Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania|Bloomsburg]], the county seat of [[Columbia County, Pennsylvania|Columbia County]] was incorporated as a town, and is recognized by state government publications as "the only incorporated town" in Pennsylvania. However, in 1975, [[McCandless, Pennsylvania|McCandless Township]], in [[Allegheny County, Pennsylvania|Allegheny County]] adopted a home rule charter under the name "Town of McCandless".
  
 
The ten most populous cities in Pennsylvania are, in order: [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]], [[Allentown, Pennsylvania|Allentown]], [[Erie, Pennsylvania|Erie]], [[Reading, Pennsylvania|Reading]], [[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]], [[Bethlehem, Pennsylvania|Bethlehem]], [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]], [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]], and [[Altoona, Pennsylvania|Altoona]].
 
The ten most populous cities in Pennsylvania are, in order: [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]], [[Allentown, Pennsylvania|Allentown]], [[Erie, Pennsylvania|Erie]], [[Reading, Pennsylvania|Reading]], [[Scranton, Pennsylvania|Scranton]], [[Bethlehem, Pennsylvania|Bethlehem]], [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania|Lancaster]], [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]], and [[Altoona, Pennsylvania|Altoona]].
  
 
== Recreation ==
 
== Recreation ==
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Pennsylvania is home to the nation's first zoo, the [[Philadelphia Zoo]]. [http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/index.php?id=10_2_1]  Other notable zoos include [[Claws 'n Paws]], [[Erie Zoo]], [[Pittsburgh Zoo]], and [[Hersheypark|ZOOAMERICA]].  The state boasts some of the finest museums in the country.  One of the unique museums is the [[Houdini Museum]] [http://www.houdini.org], the only building in the world devoted to the legendary magician. It is also home to the [[National Aviary]], located in Pittsburgh.   
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Pennsylvania is home to the nation's first zoo, the [[Philadelphia Zoo]]. Other notable zoos include [[Claws 'n Paws]], [[Erie Zoo]], [[Pittsburgh Zoo]], and [[Hersheypark|ZOOAMERICA]].  The state boasts some of the finest museums in the country.  One of the unique museums is the [[Houdini Museum]], the only building in the world devoted to the legendary magician. It is also home to the [[National Aviary]], located in Pittsburgh.   
  
 
All 121 [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|state parks]] in Pennsylvania feature free admission.
 
All 121 [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|state parks]] in Pennsylvania feature free admission.
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Pennsylvania is home to many professional sports teams, including the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] and [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] of [[Major League Baseball]], the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] and [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] of the [[National Football League]], the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] of the [[National Basketball Association]], the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] and [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] of the [[National Hockey League]], and the [[Philadelphia Soul]] of the [[Arena Football League]]. Among them, these teams have accumulated 6 [[World Series]] Championships (Pirates 5, Phillies 1), 14 [[National League]] Pennants, 3 pre-[[Super Bowl]] era NFL Championships (Eagles), 5 Super Bowl Championships (Steelers), 4 NBA Championships (76ers), and 4 [[Stanley Cup]] winners (Flyers 2, Penguins 2).   
 
Pennsylvania is home to many professional sports teams, including the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] and [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] of [[Major League Baseball]], the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] and [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] of the [[National Football League]], the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] of the [[National Basketball Association]], the [[Philadelphia Flyers]] and [[Pittsburgh Penguins]] of the [[National Hockey League]], and the [[Philadelphia Soul]] of the [[Arena Football League]]. Among them, these teams have accumulated 6 [[World Series]] Championships (Pirates 5, Phillies 1), 14 [[National League]] Pennants, 3 pre-[[Super Bowl]] era NFL Championships (Eagles), 5 Super Bowl Championships (Steelers), 4 NBA Championships (76ers), and 4 [[Stanley Cup]] winners (Flyers 2, Penguins 2).   
  
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College level sports, particularly football, have a wide following in Pennsylvania. The [[Penn State University]] Nittany Lions are coached by [[Joe Paterno]] who led Penn State to two national championships (1982 & 1986) as well as five undefeated seasons (1968, 1969, 1973, 1986 and 1994). Penn State plays its home games in the second largest stadium in the US, [[Beaver Stadium]], that seats 107,282. In addition, the [[University of Pittsburgh]] [[Pitt Panthers|Panthers]] have won nine national championships (1915, 1916, 1918, 1929, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937 and 1976) and have played eight undefeated seasons (1904, 1910, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1920, 1937 and 1976).[http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/pitt/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/06guide-pantherhistory.pdf]  Pitt plays its home games at [[Heinz Field]], a facility it shares with the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Other Pennsylvania schools that have won national titles in football include [[Lafayette College]] (1896) and the [[University of Pennsylvania]] (1895, 1897, 1904 and 1908).[http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/national_championships/nchamps_team.php] Pro football star Joe Namath is from the Pittsburgh area.
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College level sports, particularly football, have a wide following in Pennsylvania. The [[Penn State University]] Nittany Lions are coached by [[Joe Paterno]] who led Penn State to two national championships (1982 & 1986) as well as five undefeated seasons (1968, 1969, 1973, 1986 and 1994). Penn State plays its home games in the second largest stadium in the US, [[Beaver Stadium]], that seats 107,282. In addition, the [[University of Pittsburgh]] [[Pitt Panthers|Panthers]] have won nine national championships (1915, 1916, 1918, 1929, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937 and 1976) and have played eight undefeated seasons (1904, 1910, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1920, 1937 and 1976). Pitt plays its home games at [[Heinz Field]], a facility it shares with the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Other Pennsylvania schools that have won national titles in football include [[Lafayette College]] (1896) and the [[University of Pennsylvania]] (1895, 1897, 1904 and 1908). Pro football star Joe Namath is from the Pittsburgh area.
  
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College basketball is also popular in Pennsylvania, especially in the Philadelphia area where five universities, collectively termed the [[Philadelphia Big 5|Big Five]], have a rich tradition in [[NCAA Division I]] basketball. National titles in college basketball have been won by the following Pennsylvania universities: [[La Salle University]] (1954), [[Temple University]] (1938), [[University of Pennsylvania]] (1920 and 1921), [[University of Pittsburgh]] (1928 and 1930) and [[Villanova University]] (1985).[http://www.rauzulusstreet.com/basketball/college/helmscollegechampionship.htm][http://www.rauzulusstreet.com/basketball/college/collegechampionship.htm]
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College basketball is also popular in Pennsylvania, especially in the Philadelphia area where five universities, collectively termed the [[Philadelphia Big 5|Big Five]], have a rich tradition in [[NCAA Division I]] basketball. National titles in college basketball have been won by the following Pennsylvania universities: [[La Salle University]] (1954), [[Temple University]] (1938), [[University of Pennsylvania]] (1920 and 1921), [[University of Pittsburgh]] (1928 and 1930) and [[Villanova University]] (1985).
  
 
In motorsports, the [[Mario Andretti]] family of race drivers hail from [[Nazareth, Pennsylvania|Nazareth]].  Notable Racetracks in Pennsylvania include the [[Jennerstown Speedway]] in [[Jennerstown, Pennsylvania|Jennerstown]], the [[Lake Erie Speedway]] in [[North East, Pennsylvania|North East]], the [[Mahoning Valley Speedway]] in [[Lehighton, Pennsylvania|Lehighton]], the [[Motordome Speedway]] in [[Smithton, Pennsylvania|Smithton]], the [[Mountain Speedway]] in [[St. Johns, Pennsylvania|St. Johns]], the [[Nazareth Speedway]] in [[Nazareth, Pennsylvania|Nazareth]]; and the [[Pocono Raceway]] in [[Long Pond, Pennsylvania|Long Pond]], which is home both the [[Pennsylvania 500]] and the [[Pocono 500]].
 
In motorsports, the [[Mario Andretti]] family of race drivers hail from [[Nazareth, Pennsylvania|Nazareth]].  Notable Racetracks in Pennsylvania include the [[Jennerstown Speedway]] in [[Jennerstown, Pennsylvania|Jennerstown]], the [[Lake Erie Speedway]] in [[North East, Pennsylvania|North East]], the [[Mahoning Valley Speedway]] in [[Lehighton, Pennsylvania|Lehighton]], the [[Motordome Speedway]] in [[Smithton, Pennsylvania|Smithton]], the [[Mountain Speedway]] in [[St. Johns, Pennsylvania|St. Johns]], the [[Nazareth Speedway]] in [[Nazareth, Pennsylvania|Nazareth]]; and the [[Pocono Raceway]] in [[Long Pond, Pennsylvania|Long Pond]], which is home both the [[Pennsylvania 500]] and the [[Pocono 500]].
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*[[List of U.S. state beverages|State beverage]]: [[Milk]]
 
*[[List of U.S. state beverages|State beverage]]: [[Milk]]
 
*[[List of U.S. state birds|State game bird]]: [[Ruffed Grouse]]  
 
*[[List of U.S. state birds|State game bird]]: [[Ruffed Grouse]]  
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*[[List of capitals in the United States|State capital]]: [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]] <ref name=50states>[http://www.50states.com/pennsylv.htm State Symbols]</ref>
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*[[List of capitals in the United States|State capital]]: [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania|Harrisburg]]
 
*[[List of U.S. state mammals|State dog]]: [[Great Dane]]  
 
*[[List of U.S. state mammals|State dog]]: [[Great Dane]]  
 
*[[List of U.S. state fish|State fish]]: [[Brook Trout]]  
 
*[[List of U.S. state fish|State fish]]: [[Brook Trout]]  
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*[[List of U.S. state songs|State song]]: [[Pennsylvania (song)|Pennsylvania]] (Formerly [[Hail, Pennsylvania!]], until 1990)  
 
*[[List of U.S. state songs|State song]]: [[Pennsylvania (song)|Pennsylvania]] (Formerly [[Hail, Pennsylvania!]], until 1990)  
 
*[[List of U.S. state trees|State tree]]: [[Tsuga|Hemlock]]  
 
*[[List of U.S. state trees|State tree]]: [[Tsuga|Hemlock]]  
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*State toy: [[Slinky]] <ref>[http://www.poof-slinky.com/history.asp Slinky history] </ref>
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*State toy: [[Slinky]]
 
*[[State ship]]: [[US Brig Niagara (replica)|United States Brig Niagara]]  
 
*[[State ship]]: [[US Brig Niagara (replica)|United States Brig Niagara]]  
 
*State electric locomotive: [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] [[PRR GG1|GG1]] #4849 Locomotive
 
*State electric locomotive: [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] [[PRR GG1|GG1]] #4849 Locomotive
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* Peters, Stephen. 2000. Pennsylvania. Celebrate the states. New York: Benchmark Books. ISBN 0761406441 and ISBN 9780761406440
 
* Peters, Stephen. 2000. Pennsylvania. Celebrate the states. New York: Benchmark Books. ISBN 0761406441 and ISBN 9780761406440
 
* Somervill, Barbara A. 2003. Pennsylvania. From sea to shining sea. New York: Children's Press. ISBN 0516223887 and ISBN 9780516223889
 
* Somervill, Barbara A. 2003. Pennsylvania. From sea to shining sea. New York: Children's Press. ISBN 0516223887 and ISBN 9780516223889
 +
* ''Components of Population Change for the United States''. [http://www.census.gov/popest/states/tables/NST-EST2004-04.pdf Census.Gov]. Retrieved November 21, 2007.
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* ''Pennsylvania Fact Sheet''. [http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=&geo_id=04000US42&_geoContext=01000US%7C04000US42&_street=&_county=&_cityTown=&_state=04000US42&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=040&_submenuId=factsheet_1&ds_name=ACS_2004_SAFF&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null®=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry= U.S. Census Bureau]. Retrieved November 21, 2007.
 +
* ''American Community Service 2003 Multi-Year Profile Pennsylvania''. [http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Products/Profiles/Chg/2003/ACS/Tabular/040/04000US422.htm U.S. Census Bureau]. Retrieved November 21, 2007.
 +
* ''State Membership Report''. [http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/42_2000.asp Association of Religion Data Archives]. Retrieved November 21, 2007.
 +
* ''Gross State Product by Selected Major NAICS Sectors as a Percent of State GSP Total in 2005''. [http://www.nemw.org/gsp2.htm Northeast Midwest Institute]. Retrieved November 21, 2007.
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* ''Poverty Thresholds of 2005''. [http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/threshld/thresh05.html Census.Gov]. Retrieved November 21, 2007.
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* ''Population and Population Centers by State in 2000''. [http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt Census.Gov]. Retrieved November 21, 2007.
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 10:27, 21 November 2007


Template:US state



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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a state located in the Middle Atlantic region of the United States of America.

One of Pennsylvania's nicknames is the Quaker State; in colonial times, it was known officially as the Quaker Province, in recognition of Quaker William Penn's First Frame of Government constitution for Pennsylvania that guaranteed liberty of conscience. Penn knew of the hostility Quakers faced when they opposed swearing oaths, warfare, and violence.

Pennsylvania has also been known as the Keystone State since 1802, based in part upon its central location among the original Thirteen Colonies forming the United States. It was also a keystone state economically, having both the industry common to the North, making such wares as Conestoga wagons and rifles, and the agriculture common to the South, producing feed, fiber, food, and tobacco.

Pennsylvania has 51 miles (82 kilometers) of coastline along Lake Erie and 57 miles (92 km) of shoreline along the Delaware Estuary. Philadelphia is Pennsylvania's largest city and is home to a major seaport and shipyards on the Delaware River.

Geography

Pennsylvania is 170 miles (274 km) north to south and 283 miles (455 km) east to west. Of a total 46055 sq mi (119,282 sq km), 44817 sq mi (116,075 sq km) are land, 490 sq mi (1,269 sq km) are inland waters and 749 sq mi (1,940 sq km) are waters in Lake Erie. It is the 33rd largest state in the United States. The highest elevation at 3213 feet above sea level (979 meters), at Mount Davis, named for its owner, John Davis, a schoolteacher who fought for the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg. The lowest point is sea level, on the Delaware River. The approximate mean elevation is 1100 ft (335 m).

The Appalachian Mountains cut diagonally across the state from northeast to southwest. The western part of the state is underlain by sedimentary rock, rich in deposits of bituminous coal. Central Pennsylvania is the anthracite coal region, with the characteristic anticline-syncline topography of tightly folded sedimentary layers. The eastern third of the state is a product of ocean formation and orogenesis, and is marked by igneous and metamorphic rock close to a billion years old in some areas.

File:Pennsylvania-counties-map.gif
Counties of Pennsylvania

The southern boundary of Pennsylvania was originally fixed at 40° North latitude, but as a result of a bad faith compromise by Lord Baltimore during Cresap's War, the king's courts moved the boundary 20 miles (32 km) south to 39° 43' N, at the Mason-Dixon Line. The city of Philadelphia, would have been split in half by the original boundary. While he was a captive, Cresap, a Marylander, was paraded through Philadelphia. He taunted the officers by announcing that Philadelphia was one of the prettiest towns in Maryland.

History

Before the state was settled, the area was home to the Delaware (also known as Lenni Lenape), Susquehannock, Iroquois, Erie, Shawnee, and other Native American tribes.

John Dickinson

In 1681, Charles II of England granted a land charter to William Penn, to repay a large debt owed to William's father, Admiral Penn. This was one of the largest land grants to an individual in history. The land included present-day Delaware and Pennsylvania. It was called Pennsylvania, meaning "Penn's Woods", in honor of Admiral Penn. In keeping with his deeply held Quaker beliefs, William Penn pursued amicable relations with the Native Americans then living in the area. As an example, he negotiated contracts with them to purchase any lands of theirs that had been included in the King's grant.

Penn established a government with two innovations that were much copied in the New World: the county commission, a new model of small-scale self-governance, and freedom of religious conviction. Writer Murray Rothbard in his four-volume history of the U.S., Conceived in Liberty, refers to the years of 1681–90 as "Pennsylvania's Anarchist Experiment."

After the Stamp Act Congress of 1765, Delegate John Dickinson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania wrote the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. That Congress was the first meeting of the thirteen colonies, called at the request of the Massachusetts Assembly, but only nine colonies sent delegates. Dickinson then wrote Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, To the Inhabitants of the British Colonies, which were published in the Pennsylvania Chronicle between December 2, 1767, and February 15, 1768. Pennsylvania, and particularly Philadelphia, played a key role in the forming of what was to become the United States, then referred to as the United Colonies of America.

When the Founding Fathers of the United States were to convene in Philadelphia in 1774, 12 colonies sent representatives to the First Continental Congress. The First Continental Congress drew up and signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, but when that city was captured by the British, the Continental Congress escaped westward, meeting at the Lancaster courthouse on Saturday, September 27, 1777, and then to York. There they drew up the Articles of Confederation that formed 13 independent colonies into a new nation. Later, the Constitution was written, and Philadelphia was once again chosen to be cradle to the new American Nation.

Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 12, 1787, five days after Delaware became the first.

File:HillsCapitol.jpg
The "Redbrick Capitol", used from 1821 until it burned in 1897

For half a century, the Pennsylvania state legislature met at various places in the general Philadelphia area before starting to meet regularly in Independence Hall in Philadelphia for 63 years. In 1799, the legislature moved to the more central Lancaster Courthouse, and finally, in 1812, to Harrisburg. The legislature met in the old Dauphin County Court House until December 1821, when the Redbrick Capitol was finished. It burned down in 1897 and the legislature met at Grace Methodist Church on State Street (still standing), until the present capitol was finished in 1907.

The dome of the new new state Capitol was inspired by the domes of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the United States Capitol. President Theodore Roosevelt called it the "the most beautiful state Capitol in the nation", and said "It's the handsomest building I ever saw" at the dedication. In 1989, the New York Times praised it as "grand, even awesome at moments, but it is also a working building, accessible to citizens ... a building that connects with the reality of daily life."

James Buchanan, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was the only bachelor President of the United States. The Battle of Gettysburg — the major turning point of the Civil War — took place near Gettysburg. Pennsylvania, bordering the south, played an important role in the operation of the Underground Railroad, prior to the Civil War. The term "Underground Railroad" is believed to have been coined by a disgruntled Southerner who believed only some sort of "underground railroad" could account for the disappearance of so many escaped slaves upon reaching Columbia, PA, just twenty miles from the border with Maryland. Pennsylvania's Quaker beginnings led to the earliest anti-slavery movement in the colonies; in 1780, the Pennsylvania Gradual Abolition Act was the first law passed in the US for emancipation.

Demographics

Demographics of Pennsylvania (csv)
By race White Black AIAN Asian NHPI
AIAN is American Indian or Alaskan Native   -   NHPI is Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
2000 (total population) 87.60% 10.71% 0.43% 2.04% 0.07%
2000 (Hispanic only) 2.74% 0.44% 0.06% 0.03% 0.02%
2005 (total population) 86.83% 11.20% 0.45% 2.46% 0.09%
2005 (Hispanic only) 3.52% 0.53% 0.07% 0.05% 0.02%
Growth 2000-2005 (total population) 0.32% 5.83% 5.64% 22.23% 18.99%
Growth 2000-2005 (non-Hispanic only) -0.64% 5.21% 2.77% 21.86% 14.13%
Growth 2000-2005 (Hispanic only) 29.86% 20.24% 23.61% 45.64% 35.44%

The center of population of Pennsylvania is located in Perry County, in the borough of Duncannon.

As of 2006, Pennsylvania has an estimated population of 12,440,621, which is an increase of 35,273 from the previous year, and an increase of 159,567 since the year 2000. Net migration from other states resulted in a decrease of 27,718, and immigration from other countries resulted in an increase of 126,007. Net migration to the state was 98,289. Migration of native Pennsylvanians resulted in a decrease of 100,000 people. In 2006, 5.00% of Pennsylvanians were foreign born (621,480 people).

Foreign-born Pennsylvanians are largely from Asia (36.0%), Europe (35.9%), Latin America (30.6%), 5% coming from Africa, 3.1% coming from North America, and 0.4% coming from Oceania.

Pennsylvania Population Distribution

Pennsylvania's reported population of Hispanics, especially among the Asian, Hawaiian and White races, has markedly increased in the last years. It is not clear how much of this change reflects a changing population, and how much reflects increased willingness to self-identify minority status.


Pennsylvania's population was reported as 5.9% under 5 and 23.8% under 18, with 15.6% were 65 or older. Females made up 51.7% of the population.

The five largest ancestry groups self-reported in Pennsylvania are: German (27.66%), Irish (17.66%), Italian (12.82%), English (8.89%) and Polish (7.23%).

Religion

“ The new sovereign also enacted several wise and wholesome laws for his colony, which have remained invariably the same to this day. The chief is, to ill–treat no person on account of religion, and to consider as brethren all those who believe in one God. - Voltaire, speaking of William Penn ”

Of all the colonies, only in Rhode Island was religious freedom so secure as in Pennsylvania - and one result was an incredible religious diversity, one which continues to this day.

IN 2000, 8,448,193 of 12,281,054 citizens of Pennsylvania were estimated to belong to some sort of organized religion. According to the Association of religion data archives at Pennsylvania State University, reliable data exists for 7,116,348 religious adherents in Pennsylvania in 2000, following 115 different faiths. Their affiliations, including percentage of all adherents, were:[1]

  • Roman Catholic: 3,802,524 (53.43%)
  • Orthodox: 75,354 (1.06%)
  • Mainline Protestant: 2,140,682 (30%)
    • United Methodist Church: 659,350 (9.27%)
    • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: 611,913 (8.60%)
    • Presbyterian Church: 324,714 (4.56%)
    • United Church of Christ: 241,844 (3.40%)
    • American Baptist Churches in the USA: 132,858 (1.87%)
    • Episcopal Church: 116,511 (1.64%)
  • Evangelical Protestant: 704,204 (10%)
    • Assemblies of God: 84,153 (1.18%)
    • Church of the Brethren: 52,684 (0.74%)
    • Mennonite Church USA: 48,215 (0.68%)
    • Christian and Missionary Alliance: 45,926 (0.65%)
    • Southern Baptist Convention: 44,432 (0.62%)
    • Independent Non-charismatic churches: 42,992 (0.60%)
  • Other theology: 393,584 (5.53%)

Pennsylvania is also noted for having the highest concentration of an Amish population in the United States.

While Pennsylvania owes its existence to Quakers and many of the older institutions of the state are rooted in the teachings of the Religious Society of Friends (as they are officially known), practicing Quakers are a small minority today.

Economy

thumb Pennsylvania State Quarter
Bethlehem Steel's closed manufacturing facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This site will become the site of a new multi-million dollar casino in 2007.

Pennsylvania's 2005 total gross state product (GSP) of $430.31 billion ranks the state 6th in the nation. If Pennsylvania were an independent country, its economy would rank as the 17th largest in the world, ahead of Belgium, but behind the Netherlands. Pennsylvania's per-capita GSP of $34,619 ranks 26th among the 50 states.

Philadelphia in the southeast corner and Pittsburgh in the southwest corner are urban manufacturing centers, with the "t-shaped" remainder of the state being much more rural; this dichotomy affects state politics as well as the state economy. Philadelphia is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies, with more located in suburbs like King of Prussia; it's a leader in the financial and insurance industry.[2] Pittsburgh is home to 6 Fortune 500 companies, including U.S. Steel, PPG Industries, H.J. Heinz, and Alcoa. In all, Pennsylvania is home to 49 Fortune 500 companies.

The largest private employer in the state is Wal-Mart, followed by the University of Pennsylvania, United Parcel Service and Giant Food. The largest manufacturing employer is Merck.[3]

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development offers resources for business, community, site development, and concerned citizens at http://newpa.com/.

Manufacturing

Pennsylvania's factories and workshops manufacture 16.1% of the Gross State Product (GSP); only 10 states are more industrialized. Metal products, chemicals, transportation equipment, machinery, glass and plastic products are the major industrial outputs. While Educational Services is only 1.8% of the state's GSP, that's twice the national average; only Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont outrank Pennsylvania. Although Pennsylvania is known as a coal state, mining only amounts to 0.6% of the state's economy, compared to 1.3% for the country as a whole.

Farming near Klingerstown, Pennsylvania.

Once the leading producer of steel in the 19th and 20th centuries, Pennsylvania's steel industry has declined significantly. Pennsylvania remains an important source of coal, petroleum and natural gas.

A small subsector of manufacturing that flourishes in Pennsylvania is specialty foods production. According to Pennsylvania Snacks: A Guide to Food Factory Tours, author Sharon Hernes Silverman calls Pennsylvania the snack food capital of the world. It leads all other states in the manufacture of pretzels and potato chips. The U.S. chocolate industry is centered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with Mars and Wilbur Chocolate Company nearby, and smaller manufacturers such as Asher's near Lansdale and Gertrude Hawk of Dunmore. Other notable companies include Just Born in Bethlehem, PA, makers of Hot Tamales, Mike and Ikes, and the Easter favorite marshmallow Peeps, Benzel's Pretzels and Boyer Candies of Altoona, PA, which is well known for its Mallow Cups. Auntie Anne's Pretzels originated in Gap, but their corporate headquarters is now located in Lancaster, PA.

Agriculture

Pennsylvania is an important source of food products. It ranks 19th overall in agricultural production, but first in mushrooms, third in Christmas trees and laying chickens, fourth in nursery and sod, milk, corn for silage, and horse production. Only about 9,600 of the state's 58,000 farmers have sales of $100,000 or more, and with production expenses equaling 84.9% of sales, most have a net farming income below the $19,806 that marks poverty for a family of four, and that does not reflect the 12.4% self-employment tax as well. The farming population is aging; the average farmer is 53. Many farms in the southeastern part of the state have been sold to housing developers in the past years. This is largely due to rising taxes and land prices, reflecting high demand for land in the nation's fifth largest metropolitan area. Bucks and Montgomery counties were the first to suburbanize, but this trend is now extending to Chester, Lancaster, Berks, and Lehigh counties.

Tourism

Pennsylvania draws 2.1% of the Gross State Product from accommodation and food services. In contrast, only Connecticut, Delaware, and Iowa have lower numbers. Nevada gets a whopping 14.2% of their GSP that way. Philadelphia draws tourists to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute, and the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, while the Poconos attract honeymooners, golfers and fishermen. The Delaware Water Gap and Allegheny National Forest appeal to boaters, hikers, and nature lovers. Fourteen slots casinos, the majority of which are either in the process of being awarded licenses from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board or are under construction, are expected to make up a good portion of tourism in the Commonwealth.

The state government launched an extensive tourism campaign in 2003 under the direction of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. An extensive website VisitPA, has been established to promote visits to the state.

The Pennsylvania Dutch region in south-central Pennsylvania is a favorite for sightseers. The Pennsylvania Dutch, including the Old Order Amish, the Old Order Mennonites and at least 35 other sects, are common in the rural areas around the cities of Lancaster, York, and Harrisburg, with smaller numbers extending northeast to the Lehigh Valley and up the Susquehanna River valley.

The term "Dutch", when referring to the Pennsylvania Dutch, means "German" or "Teutonic" rather than "Netherlander". Germans, in their own language, call themselves "Deutsch", which in English became, misleadingly, "Dutch". The Pennsylvania Dutch language is a descendant of German, in the West Central German dialect family.

Among the regional foods associated with Pennsylvania are the pierogies, cheesesteak and the hoagie, the soft pretzel, Italian water ice, scrapple, Tastykake, and the stromboli. In Pittsburgh, tomato ketchup was standardized and bottled by Henry John Heinz from 1876 to the early 1900s. Somewhat less famous are the Pittsburgh's Primanti Brothers Restaurant sandwiches. Outside the city of Scranton, in the Borough of Old Forge there are dozens of Italian restaurants specializing in pizza made unique by thick, light crust and American cheese. Sauerkraut along with pork and mashed potatoes is a common meal on New Year's Day in Pennsylvania.

Politics

State government

Pennsylvania has had five constitutions during its statehood: 1776, 1790, 1838, 1874, and 1968. Prior to that, the province of Pennsylvania was governed for a century by a Frame of Government, of which there were four versions: 1682, 1683, 1696, and 1701.

The current Pennsylvania Capitol

The state capital is Harrisburg. The legislature meets in the new State Capitol there.

The Executive Branch is made up of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General. Auditor, and State Treasurer, all elected officials.

Pennsylvania has a bicameral legislature set up by state's constitution in 1790. The original Frame of Government of William Penn had a unicameral legislature. The General Assembly includes 50 Senators and 203 Representatives. The 2006 election resulted in the Democrats regaining control of the House and the Republicans' retaining control of the Senate.

Pennsylvania is divided into 60 judicial districts, most of which (except Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties) have magisterial district judges (formerly called district justices and justices of the peace), who preside mainly over minor criminal offenses and small civil claims. Most criminal and civil cases originate in the Courts of Common Pleas, which also serve as appellate courts to the district judges and for local agency decisions. The Superior Court hears all appeals from the Courts of Common Pleas not expressly designated to the Commonwealth Court or Supreme Court. It also has original jurisdiction to review warrants for wiretap surveillance. The Commonwealth Court is limited to appeals from final orders of certain state agencies and certain designated cases from the Courts of Common Pleas. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is the final appellate court. All judges in Pennsylvania are elected; the chief justice is determined by seniority.

Sales tax provides 39% of state revenue; personal income tax 34%; motor vehicle taxes about 12%, and taxes on cigarettes and alcohol beverage 5%.

Counties, municipalities, and school districts levy taxes on real estate. In addition, some local bodies assess a wage tax on personal income. Generally, the total wage tax rate is capped at 1% of income but some municipalities with home rule charters may charge more than 1%. Thirty-two of the state's sixty-seven counties levy a personal property tax on stocks, bonds, and similar holdings.

Pennsylvania is represented in the US Congress by two U.S. Senators and 19 Representatives. directory&docid=cdir108_txt-39 Congressional Directory Online]</ref>

Regional strength

In the past decade, no political party has been clearly dominant in Pennsylvania. This, combined with Pennsylvania's rank of 6th in the country in population, has made it one of the most important swing states electorally. Democrats are strong in urban Philadelphia and the areas of Pittsburgh, Reading, Allentown, Erie, Johnstown, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Republicans are generally dominant in the vast rural areas that make up the balance of the state. Traditionally, Republicans have also fared well in the densely populated and wealthy suburbs of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but in the 1990s and 2000s these suburbs trended Democratic.

In the 2004 Presidential Election, Senator John F. Kerry beat President George W. Bush in Pennsylvania 2,938,095 (50.92%) to 2,793,847 (48.42%).

In the Midterm Elections of 2006, Pennsylvania moved solidly Democratic because of the unpopularity of the war in Iraq and of President Bush. Also significant in this election was a popular anti incumbent backlash due to a General Assembly pay raise controversy in 2005. Bob Casey, Jr. handily defeated incumbent Senator Rick Santorum 59%-41%, and Governor Ed Rendell defeated Republican opponent Lynn Swann by a similar margin: 60–40%.

Important cities and municipalities

The skyline of Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the United States.
The skyline of Pittsburgh, the 20th-largest metropolitan area in the United States.

Municipalities in Pennsylvania are incorporated as cities, boroughs, or townships.

There is some confusion about the number of "towns" in Pennsylvania. In 1870, Bloomsburg, the county seat of Columbia County was incorporated as a town, and is recognized by state government publications as "the only incorporated town" in Pennsylvania. However, in 1975, McCandless Township, in Allegheny County adopted a home rule charter under the name "Town of McCandless".

The ten most populous cities in Pennsylvania are, in order: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, Scranton, Bethlehem, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Altoona.

Recreation

Pennsylvania is home to the nation's first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo. Other notable zoos include Claws 'n Paws, Erie Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo, and ZOOAMERICA. The state boasts some of the finest museums in the country. One of the unique museums is the Houdini Museum, the only building in the world devoted to the legendary magician. It is also home to the National Aviary, located in Pittsburgh.

All 121 state parks in Pennsylvania feature free admission.

Pennsylvania offers a number of notable amusement parks, including Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Dutch Wonderland, DelGrosso Amusement Park, Hershey Park, Idlewild Park, Kennywood, Knoebels, Lakemont Park, Sandcastle Waterpark, Sesame Place, Great Wolf Lodge and Waldameer Park. Pennsylvania also is home to the largest indoor waterpark resort on the East Coast, Splash Lagoon in Erie.

There are also notable music festivals that take place in PA. These include Musikfest, Creation Festival, and Purple Door.

Hunting is popular in Pennsylvania. There are nearly 1 million licensed hunters. Whitetail deer, cottontail rabbits, squirrel, turkey, and grouse are common game species. Sport hunting in Pennsylvania is a massive boost for the state economy. A report from The Center for Rural Pennsylvania (a legislative agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly) reported that hunting, fishing, and trapping generated a total of $9.6 billion statewide.

Sports

Pennsylvania is home to many professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League, and the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League. Among them, these teams have accumulated 6 World Series Championships (Pirates 5, Phillies 1), 14 National League Pennants, 3 pre-Super Bowl era NFL Championships (Eagles), 5 Super Bowl Championships (Steelers), 4 NBA Championships (76ers), and 4 Stanley Cup winners (Flyers 2, Penguins 2).

College level sports, particularly football, have a wide following in Pennsylvania. The Penn State University Nittany Lions are coached by Joe Paterno who led Penn State to two national championships (1982 & 1986) as well as five undefeated seasons (1968, 1969, 1973, 1986 and 1994). Penn State plays its home games in the second largest stadium in the US, Beaver Stadium, that seats 107,282. In addition, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers have won nine national championships (1915, 1916, 1918, 1929, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937 and 1976) and have played eight undefeated seasons (1904, 1910, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1920, 1937 and 1976). Pitt plays its home games at Heinz Field, a facility it shares with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Other Pennsylvania schools that have won national titles in football include Lafayette College (1896) and the University of Pennsylvania (1895, 1897, 1904 and 1908). Pro football star Joe Namath is from the Pittsburgh area.

College basketball is also popular in Pennsylvania, especially in the Philadelphia area where five universities, collectively termed the Big Five, have a rich tradition in NCAA Division I basketball. National titles in college basketball have been won by the following Pennsylvania universities: La Salle University (1954), Temple University (1938), University of Pennsylvania (1920 and 1921), University of Pittsburgh (1928 and 1930) and Villanova University (1985).

In motorsports, the Mario Andretti family of race drivers hail from Nazareth. Notable Racetracks in Pennsylvania include the Jennerstown Speedway in Jennerstown, the Lake Erie Speedway in North East, the Mahoning Valley Speedway in Lehighton, the Motordome Speedway in Smithton, the Mountain Speedway in St. Johns, the Nazareth Speedway in Nazareth; and the Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, which is home both the Pennsylvania 500 and the Pocono 500.

There are also two motocross race tracks that host a round of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championships in Pennsylvania. [High Point Raceway]High Point in located in Mt. Morris, PA, and Steel City is located in Delmont, PA. Philadelphia is home to LOVE Park, once a skateboarding mecca, and across from City Hall, host to ESPN's X Games in 2001 and 2002.

Race courses for horses in Pennsylvania consist of Ladbroke at the Meadows, in Pittsburgh, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, in Wilkes-Barre and Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack in Chester which offer harness racing, and Penn National Race Course in Grantville and Philadelphia Park, in Bensalem which offer thoroughbred racing. Smarty Jones, the 2004 Kentucky Derby winner, had Philadelphia Park as his home course.

Some notable Pennsylvanian athletes include legendary Arnold Palmer, one of the leading 20th century pro golfers and professional golfer Jim Furyk. Olympian Jim Thorpe is from the re-named Jim Thorpe, PA. Baseball all-star Mike Piazza is from Phoenixville.


State symbols

  • State animal: White-tailed Deer State Symbols
  • State beverage: Milk
  • State game bird: Ruffed Grouse
  • State capital: Harrisburg
  • State dog: Great Dane
  • State fish: Brook Trout
  • State flower: Mountain Laurel
  • State fossil: the trilobite Phacops rana
  • State insect: Firefly
  • Union admission rank:
  • State song: Pennsylvania (Formerly Hail, Pennsylvania!, until 1990)
  • State tree: Hemlock
  • State toy: Slinky
  • State ship: United States Brig Niagara
  • State electric locomotive: Pennsylvania Railroad GG1 #4849 Locomotive
  • State steam locomotive: Pennsylvania Railroad K4s Locomotive
  • State beautification plant: Crown Vetch
  • State soil: Hazleton


Notes

  1. ↑ These statistics are based on 7,116,348 of the estimated 8,448,193 religious adherents in Pennsylvania, and only the largest of 115 different faiths are reported here. Data excludes most of the historically African-American denominations. Public Law 94-521 prevents the Census Bureau from collecting better data, so this information comes from the Association of religion data archives at Penn State.) Terms used to describe organizations are ARDA's, and may not be the group's own preferred name.
  2. ↑ Tragedy of 9/11 pummels insurance industry
  3. ↑ Largest Employers in Pennsylvania

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Coordinates: 41° N 77.5° W

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