Interesting Facts about Pennsylvania

Published: November 10, 2021

When you move somewhere new, there are always new things to learn about your new home and places to see! Here are several interesting facts about the state of Pennsylvania. Even if you know a few of these, we hope that it helps you get to know the state a bit more before you consider moving there. Here are 10 facts about Pennsylvania:

1. The Chocolate Capital of the US is Hershey, Pa. Why you may ask? Well, Milton S. Hershey was the one who started it all and built his famous chocolate company in the town of Hershey.
2. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia on August 2nd, 1776 by  56 members of the Second Continental Congress.
3. Philadelphia was once the capital city of the United States after Constitution was ratified, but on May 14, 1800, the nation’s capital moved to Washington.
4. Philadelphia is also the place where the first American Flag was sewn in 1777 by Betsy Ross, a patriot icon of her time when she had sewn the first “Stars and Stripes”.
5. Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn. The name of the state comes from the name of the founder’s father (Admiral William Penn) and not his own. The founder William Penn wanted the state to be named “Sylvania”. (Sylvania is a Latin word meaning “woodlands.”)
6. Pennsylvania is home to the largest Amish community in the US. One of the largest Amish communities is Lancaster, PA as the Amish arrived there in the 1720’s.
7. The Philadelphia Zoo was the first public zoo in the United States. It was chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 21, 1859, but its opening was delayed by the Civil War until July 1,1874.
8. Pat Olivieri invented the famous Philly Cheesesteak sandwich in the 1930s. He was originally a hot dog vendor and thought it was a great idea to put beef on his grill to make a sandwich. And what a great idea it was.
9. Built in 1902 by the old Pennsylvania Railroad, the Rockville Bridge in Harrisburg is the longest stone arch bridge in the world even to this day.
10. Pennsylvania has 121 state parks, 19 national parks, and seven National Heritage Areas.

If you’re ready to move to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then UNITS® has your back for all your moving and storage needs. Relocation in every case can be difficult to accomplish, although it is very possible to make it a positive move. Remember, if you are in need of support, we are here to help with your big move.