Pennsylvania immediately became a haven for religious and political tolerance; inspiring our nation’s Constitution, and hosting the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia and the first two Constitutional Conventions leading up to the American Revolution.
With the Appalachian, Allegheny, and Pocono Mountain ranges running through the center and northeast parts of the state, 60% of Pennsylvania is forested and the state has more navigable rivers than any other in the country. Coal, steel, and railroads formed the industrial backbone for the country throughout much of the 20th century and Pennsylvania is now the mushroom capital of the U.S.! Today, Pennsylvania is the 5th most populous state, and over 80% of the population is centered in the Greater Metro areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.