It’s easy to overlook something wonderful that’s right in front of you— especially if you don’t know all of the wonderful things about it. Some may say that Pennsylvania is boring, but there are so many interesting things about the state. Here are some of the best…
- Kennett Square is the mushroom capital of the world.
Mandy Jansen/ Flickr The town produces over a million pounds of fungi every week, and throws a mushroom festival every year.
- Pittsburgh was just named the top food city in the country.
Matthew Paulson/ Flickr Zagat included Pittsburgh as #1 on its list of 2015’s best food cities.
- A Pennsylvania town proved that solid community can lead to better physical health.
Wikimedia Commons The Roseto Effect is named after the town of Roseto, where residents suffered far fewer heart attacks than average. With no other explanation for the residents’ longevity, scientists concluded that the only explanation was the solidarity within the town.
- The oldest evidence of human civilization in the Americas was discovered in Pennsylvania.
Wikimedia Commons The Meadowcroft Rock Shelter has some truly unique artifacts on display, dating back to at least 19,000 years ago.
- Covered bridges can be found around any corner here.
m01229/ Flickr Pennsylvania has 197 covered bridges: more than any other state.
- Little league baseball was founded in Williamsport.
Paul Weaver/ Flickr In 1939, the organization was born in Williamsport, and to this day it is the center of what is now an international non-profit organization.
- Early labor organization movements were especially active in Pennsylvania.
Wikimedia Commons The Molly Maguires were a society centered in Ireland, but active in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. Most of the members here were coal miners.
- Pennsylvania offers an unbelievable variety of lifestyles, environments, and activities.
Zach Stern/ Flickr It is truly the state that has something for everybody. With unbelievable architecture in its cities (pictured is the Heinz Chapel and Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh), to vast fields, to mountains, and more, it is a state that leaves you wanting for nothing.
- Pennsylvania steel built the nation.
Alan Strakey/ Flickr The steel mills in Bethlehem and Pittsburgh produced steel that was distributed across the country for use in building railroads, buildings, and more.
- Our country’s most famous speech was delivered in Gettysburg.
Wikimedia Commons President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address will not be forgotten; it marked a pivotal moment in the Civil War.
- Pennsylvania sees the intersection of a variety of dialects (and cultures).
Wikimedia Commons The map above shows the distribution of different American dialects across the country. As you can see, Pennsylvania’s unique position between New England, the Midwest, and the South have lent it a great variety of language patterns. Gotta keep things interesting.
What else would you add to this list? Share in the comments below.
Mandy Jansen/ Flickr
The town produces over a million pounds of fungi every week, and throws a mushroom festival every year.
Matthew Paulson/ Flickr
Zagat included Pittsburgh as #1 on its list of 2015’s best food cities.
Wikimedia Commons
The Roseto Effect is named after the town of Roseto, where residents suffered far fewer heart attacks than average. With no other explanation for the residents’ longevity, scientists concluded that the only explanation was the solidarity within the town.
The Meadowcroft Rock Shelter has some truly unique artifacts on display, dating back to at least 19,000 years ago.
m01229/ Flickr
Pennsylvania has 197 covered bridges: more than any other state.
Paul Weaver/ Flickr
In 1939, the organization was born in Williamsport, and to this day it is the center of what is now an international non-profit organization.
The Molly Maguires were a society centered in Ireland, but active in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. Most of the members here were coal miners.
Zach Stern/ Flickr
It is truly the state that has something for everybody. With unbelievable architecture in its cities (pictured is the Heinz Chapel and Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh), to vast fields, to mountains, and more, it is a state that leaves you wanting for nothing.
Alan Strakey/ Flickr
The steel mills in Bethlehem and Pittsburgh produced steel that was distributed across the country for use in building railroads, buildings, and more.
President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address will not be forgotten; it marked a pivotal moment in the Civil War.
The map above shows the distribution of different American dialects across the country. As you can see, Pennsylvania’s unique position between New England, the Midwest, and the South have lent it a great variety of language patterns. Gotta keep things interesting.
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