Pennsylvania: From Rocky Fights to Founding Frights (and Everything in Between)
Pennsylvania: it's not just cheesesteaks and scrapple (although, let's be honest, those are pretty great). This state has a rich history that's as dramatic as a Rocky movie and as important as a Ben Franklin invention. So, buckle up, grab a soft pretzel (because #carbs), and let's take a whistle-stop tour of some of the most interesting events that happened in the Keystone State.
 |
| What Events Happened In Pennsylvania |
Founding Father Fun and Frights
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Birth of a Nation: We all know the story, more or less. William Penn, a dude with a killer name and a penchant for religious tolerance, founded Pennsylvania as a Quaker haven. Fun fact: Quakers are known for their aversion to violence, which makes the whole "American Revolution" thing even more interesting (see next point).
Liberty Bell Screams: Speaking of the Revolution, Philadelphia played a starring role. The First and Second Continental Congresses met there, and that whole "Declaration of Independence" thing? Yeah, that happened there too. Basically, Philly was the epicenter of the American rebellion... though we're pretty sure Ben Franklin didn't fly a kite during the whole thing (sorry, history buffs!).
Gettysburg: Where History Got Bloody (But Also Gave Us a Killer Speech): The Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War, was fought on Pennsylvanian soil. It was a brutal three-day brawl that left thousands dead. President Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address here, which, let's face it, is way more inspiring than a cheesesteak hangover.
Beyond the History Books
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
Chocolate Wars: Pennsylvania is home to Hershey's, one of the biggest chocolate producers in the world. This basically means they're responsible for countless childhood smiles (and adult sugar rushes). Who knew Pennsylvania was secretly Willy Wonka's stomping ground?
Punxsutawney Phil Sees His Shadow (or Doesn't): Every February 2nd, the world waits with bated breath to see if Punxsutawney Phil, a prophetic groundhog, sees his shadow. According to legend, if he does, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, spring is on its way! Groundhog Day may seem silly, but hey, it's a uniquely Pennsylvanian tradition.
FAQ: Pennsylvania Like a Pro
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
How to speak Pennsylvanian? Just kidding, there's no real dialect. But be prepared for some interesting pronunciations, like "water" sounding like "wudder."
How to survive a cheesesteak challenge? Pace yourself, champ. And maybe loosen your belt beforehand.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
How to find the best scrapple? Head to a local diner. This mushy, meaty, love-it-or-hate-it breakfast staple is a Pennsylvania specialty.
How to get your picture with Rocky? Head to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and channel your inner Sylvester Stallone.
How to avoid getting lost in the history?
There are tons of historical sites in Pennsylvania. Do your research beforehand, or grab a knowledgeable tour guide.
 |
