The state of Pennsylvania on a map of the United States can be seen in the northeast region of the state. The main industrial city here is Pittsburgh, the vicinity of which is very rich in huge deposits of various minerals. As of today, the state is one of the most developed regions throughout the country.
First Europeans
Pennsylvania is the state where the first settlers from Europe were the Dutch and Swedes. In 1681, the English Quaker William Penn received as a gift from King Charles II a spacious territory, which was located on the western side of the Delaware River. A year later, he founded a colony, which later became a refuge for Protestants and others who were persecuted for their faith. After some time, William founded the city of Philadelphia, which over time became one of the most developed in the United States.
Civil War and Independence
At a time when the entire North America was engulfed in a civil war , the state of Pennsylvania took an active part in it and found itself at the very epicenter of hostilities. Here, his representatives spoke on the side of the "northerners." Many historians claim that the battle that took place near Gettysburg in July-1863 was a turning point in the confrontation. As a result of the battle, nearly 43 thousand people were killed on both sides.
In 1776, the state constitution was formally adopted. Then in Philadelphia, during the Second Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence was signed. Eleven years later, the Union Constitution was ratified. Pennsylvania is a state for which the post-war period was marked by the most rapid industrial and economic development, the consolidation of the ruling state forces, as well as population growth, compared with other regions.
Political structure
The local capital is Harrisburg. About 530 thousand inhabitants live in it. According to the current political system, Pennsylvania is a state run by a bicameral parliament. It consists of 50 deputies of the legislative assembly (they are re-elected once every four years), as well as 203 deputies of the House of Representatives (they are re-elected every two years). There is also his own governor. His term of office is four years, while re-election to the post can be repeated only once. It should be noted that, starting from the fifties of the last century, “Republicans” and “Democrats” are represented in the Pennsylvania Parliament in approximately the same proportion.
The judicial power in the region belongs to the Supreme Court. It consists of a chairman and six members. They are elected for a period of ten years. Among other things, the state is divided locally into 66 separate districts. Each of them is headed by a council of three justices of the peace.
Names
The state is officially called the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. So it is indicated in all government documents and on maps. The region has a reputation as a great place, which is great for study, work and leisure. Along with this, we must not forget that it is the birthplace of US independence. In connection with this, quite another and almost the second official became another name that Pennsylvania has - “state of the cornerstone” (in other words, “Keystone State”). Such a name implies a great love and respect of the country's inhabitants for the region, which played one of the main roles in the victory of the American Revolution.
Pennsylvania nowadays
As of today, Pennsylvania is a state that is one of the most prosperous in the United States. Its population is more than twelve million people. This is the sixth indicator in the country. The basis for the local economy is agriculture. In addition to him, such industries as high-tech production and mining are quite developed .
The state boasts a fairly low crime and unemployment rate, a high standard of living for local citizens, as well as first-class health and educational systems. All these aspects give the right to safely call Pennsylvania a great place for all activities and leisure. People feel comfortable and cozy both in large metropolitan areas and in small remote communities.
Attractions, tourism and leisure
The largest and most developed cities that Pennsylvania has are the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. They are the largest industrial and port centers of the region. There is nothing surprising in the fact that most of the local attractions are concentrated on their territory. Due to its rich history and beautiful landscapes, the state attracts more than one hundred million tourists annually. They have the opportunity to visit about 120 parks of national importance and ten thousand square meters of forests.
One of the most interesting places for travelers is the world famous battlefield and the Eisenhower House, located in Gettysburg. A separate line in the local economy and history can be distinguished winemaking. In this regard, a significant share of the tourism sector is concentrated on this aspect. For tourists who visit the state, a number of appropriate routes are provided. Among other things, annually in the region fairs and festivals are held that are dedicated to winemaking.
Interesting Facts
Pennsylvania is the only Mid-Atlantic state in the United States that has no access to the sea. Be that as it may, this did not prevent the region from becoming one of the main political and economic centers of the state at the dawn of its existence.
In the North American region, the state was one of the first to pass legislation on the release of slaves. It happened in 1790.
Pennsylvania's motto is “Freedom, Virtue, and Independence!”
In the USA, each state has its own symbols. For Pennsylvania, these are the mountain laurel flower, pale fish and the Pennsylvania firefly. Do not forget that it is here that the world-famous groundhog Phil lives, predicting the weather.