Chapter 4 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s name is derived from a combination of “Penn” and “sylvania.” The “Penn” part honors William Penn, the founder of the colony, while “sylvania” is derived from the Latin word “silva,” meaning “forest” or “woods.” Thus, Pennsylvania essentially means “Penn’s Woods.” The name was granted by King Charles II of England in 1681 when he issued a land grant to William Penn, partly to repay a debt owed to Penn’s father. The name reflects both the founder’s legacy and the region’s rich forested landscape.

4.1 Keystone State

The term “Keystone” refers to the central, wedge-shaped stone in an arch that holds all the other stones in place. Pennsylvania earned this nickname for several reasons:

  1. Geographic Centrality: Pennsylvania’s location among the original Thirteen Colonies was central, both geographically and politically. It served as a crucial link between the northern and southern colonies.

  2. Historical Significance: Pennsylvania played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States. It was the site of significant events such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia.

  3. Economic and Political Influence: During the early years of the United States, Pennsylvania was a vital economic and political center, contributing significantly to the nation’s development and cohesion.

These factors combined to make Pennsylvania a “keystone” in the arch of the American colonies, symbolizing its importance in holding the young nation together.

4.2 Major Cities

Pennsylvania is home to several major cities, each with its own unique character and significance. Here are the main cities in Pennsylvania:

  1. Philadelphia: The largest city in Pennsylvania, known for its rich history, cultural institutions, and as the birthplace of American independence. It’s a major economic and cultural hub.

  2. Pittsburgh: Known for its steel industry history, Pittsburgh has transformed into a center for healthcare, education, and technology. It’s famous for its bridges and vibrant arts scene.

  3. Allentown: The third-largest city in Pennsylvania, Allentown is part of the Lehigh Valley and has a diverse economy with manufacturing, healthcare, and services.

  4. Erie: Located on the shores of Lake Erie, this city is known for its maritime history and as a center for manufacturing and tourism.

  5. Reading: Known historically for its railroad industry, Reading is now a hub for manufacturing and retail, with a growing arts and culture scene.

  6. Scranton: Known for its coal mining history, Scranton is part of the larger Scranton–Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area and has a diverse economy with healthcare and education sectors.

  7. Harrisburg: The state capital, significant for its governmental role and historical importance.

These cities are key to Pennsylvania’s economy and cultural landscape, each contributing uniquely to the state’s identity.

4.3 Harrisburg

Harrisburg was chosen as the capital of Pennsylvania for several reasons:

  1. Central Location: Harrisburg’s location was more central compared to Philadelphia, making it more accessible to residents across the state. This central positioning was important for facilitating travel and communication within Pennsylvania.

  2. Protection from Attacks: During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there was a concern about coastal cities being vulnerable to attacks, especially during times of conflict. Harrisburg, being inland, was considered safer from potential naval attacks.

  3. Economic and Strategic Importance: Harrisburg was a growing transportation hub due to its position along the Susquehanna River and its proximity to major roads and later railroads. This made it an economically strategic choice, supporting trade and movement of goods.

  4. Political Considerations: The decision to move the capital was also influenced by political factors, including the desire to balance power and influence between different regions of the state.

These factors combined to make Harrisburg a practical and strategic choice for the state capital, officially designated in 1812.