Pennsylvania State History

The Province of Pennsylvania, or Pennsylvania Colony, was founded by William Penn in 1681, when King Charles II of England granted him a land charter as repayment of a debt owed to Penn’s father. Penn, a Quaker, envisioned the colony as a haven for religious freedom, peace, and democratic governance—earning it the nickname "The Holy Experiment."

In July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, marking the official start of America’s fight for freedom and making Pennsylvania the birthplace of the nation. Pennsylvania also adopted its first state constitution in 1776, becoming one of the first states to formally establish a republican government rooted in the will of the people and officially naming itself the “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

During the Civil War, Camp Curtin in Harrisburg became the largest Union Army training camp—over 300,000 soldiers passed through it, making Pennsylvania a vital launchpad for the Union.

In 1902, Pennsylvania coal miners led a major strike demanding better wages and working conditions. President Theodore Roosevelt stepped in, marking the first time a U.S. president helped mediate a labor dispute.

The Liberty Bell, located in Philadelphia, was originally cast in 1752 to hang in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) and call lawmakers to meetings. Its inscription—"Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land"—comes from the Bible and symbolizes freedom for all. Although it cracked in the 1800s, it became a powerful symbol of American independence and was later embraced by abolitionists fighting to end slavery. Today, visitors can see it at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park.

Gettysburg National Military Park marks the site where the Civil War’s deadliest battle took place in 1863. It is also where President Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address, one of the most important speeches in U.S. history about liberty, equality, and national purpose. In his speech, he redefined the nation’s purpose with his famous words, “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Valley Forge was the winter camp of General George Washington’s Continental Army in 1777–1778. Though harsh conditions tested the soldiers, it became a symbol of American perseverance and unity during the Revolutionary War. Today, it's a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom.

The Delaware River forms part of Pennsylvania’s eastern border. While vital for the state’s ecology and trade, it also played a key role in American history—most famously, when George Washington crossed it in 1776 during the Revolutionary War, leading to a surprise victory in the Battle of Trenton.