Step back in time to see how Pennsylvania has evolved – yet how so much of it has stayed the same – in the last century. Here are 10 then and now photos of Pennsylvania that may just change the way you see our beautiful state.

  1. Kinzua Bridge, McKean County, 1882

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Now (2016)

Flickr/Marc A tornado ripped through Kinzua Bridge State Park in 2003, destroying part of the Kinzua Bridge that was erected in 1882. Today, the bridge features a skywalk with spectacular views of the surrounding state park.

  1. The University of Pennsylvania Medical Hall, Philadelphia, 1900

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Now (2014)

Flickr/els1124 Since its construction in 1874, the building shown in the above photos was known as the Medical Hall at the University of Pennsylvania. However, the building is currently called Claudia Cohen Hall and houses administrative offices as well as several programs within the Arts and Sciences School.

  1. Chester County Courthouse, West Chester, 1910

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Now (2013)

Flickr/Teem U. The Chester County Courthouse dates back to 1848 and was originally built with bricks because the county could not afford stone.

  1. Dorney Park, Allentown, 1930

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Now (2010)

Flickr/Jim Pennuci Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown has been a favorite summer destination since 1884. Back in the 1930s, visitors enjoyed fun in the sun in the park’s swimming pool while today’s guests have an entire playground of water slides and water attractions.

  1. Pittsburgh Skyline, 1941

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Now (2011)

Flickr/Wally Gobetz The Pittsburgh skyline has certainly evolved over the decades as Pittsburgh has transformed from a steel town to a technological and a medical hub.

  1. Pennsylvania License Plate, 1955

Wikimedia Commons/Lemongrass Gogulope

Now (2012)

Flickr/cylent Pennsylvania issued the state’s first license plate in 1906.

  1. Strasburg Tourist Train, 1966

Wikimedia/roger4336

Now (2014)

Flickr/Fred Schroeder Strasburg Railroad still beckons tourists as it did in 1966. Today, it offers themed rides all-year around, including the annual Santa’s Paradise Express and the Day Out With Thomas the Train.

  1. Philadelphia’s Memorial Hall, 1972

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Now (2012)

Flickr/Concetta Barbera Built in 1776, Memorial Hall originally housed an art gallery and is currently home to the Please Touch Museum.

  1. Williams Grove Amusement Park, 1983

Flickr/Brian

Now (2009)

Flickr/David Trawin Williams Grove Amusement Park has entertained generations of Pennsylvanians from its opening in 1850 until it shut down in 2005. Today, the park stands abandoned.

  1. Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, circa 1990

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Now (2016)

Flickr/wyliepoon An international market that has been a staple in Philadelphia since 1680, The Reading Terminal Market underwent renovations in the 1990s and today remains a popular spot with Pennsylvanians.

These 10 then and now photos of Pennsylvania show how much things change yet stay the same.

Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Flickr/Marc

A tornado ripped through Kinzua Bridge State Park in 2003, destroying part of the Kinzua Bridge that was erected in 1882. Today, the bridge features a skywalk with spectacular views of the surrounding state park.

Flickr/els1124

Since its construction in 1874, the building shown in the above photos was known as the Medical Hall at the University of Pennsylvania. However, the building is currently called Claudia Cohen Hall and houses administrative offices as well as several programs within the Arts and Sciences School.

Flickr/Teem U.

The Chester County Courthouse dates back to 1848 and was originally built with bricks because the county could not afford stone.

Flickr/Jim Pennuci

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom in Allentown has been a favorite summer destination since 1884. Back in the 1930s, visitors enjoyed fun in the sun in the park’s swimming pool while today’s guests have an entire playground of water slides and water attractions.

Flickr/Wally Gobetz

The Pittsburgh skyline has certainly evolved over the decades as Pittsburgh has transformed from a steel town to a technological and a medical hub.

Wikimedia Commons/Lemongrass Gogulope

Flickr/cylent

Pennsylvania issued the state’s first license plate in 1906.

Wikimedia/roger4336

Flickr/Fred Schroeder

Strasburg Railroad still beckons tourists as it did in 1966. Today, it offers themed rides all-year around, including the annual Santa’s Paradise Express and the Day Out With Thomas the Train.

Flickr/Concetta Barbera

Built in 1776, Memorial Hall originally housed an art gallery and is currently home to the Please Touch Museum.

Flickr/Brian

Flickr/David Trawin

Williams Grove Amusement Park has entertained generations of Pennsylvanians from its opening in 1850 until it shut down in 2005. Today, the park stands abandoned.

Flickr/wyliepoon

An international market that has been a staple in Philadelphia since 1680, The Reading Terminal Market underwent renovations in the 1990s and today remains a popular spot with Pennsylvanians.

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