In colonial Pennsylvania, white-tailed deer hides were so valuable they were used as currency—giving rise to the term “a buck” for a dollar.

While many think Pittsburgh or Philadelphia is the state capital, it's actually Harrisburg, chosen for its central location along the Susquehanna River.

Mountain Laurel contains a natural toxin so potent that early settlers nicknamed it “lambkill” because grazing livestock had to be kept away from its deadly blooms.

The ruffed grouse performs a unique "drumming" display by beating its wings so fast it sounds like a lawn mower starting up in the forest.

Pennsylvania's motto nods to its fierce independence—it was the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Pennsylvania gets its nickname for being a central colony of the original 13 and holding the young American republic together like the keystone in an arch.