The US state of Pennsylvania is located in the eastern United States. It is also one of its thirteen founding states. Pennsylvania is nicknamed the “Keystone State” after the central wedge-shaped stone in the middle of an arch. Along with New York and New Jersey, Pennsylvania is included in the mid-Atlantic states. Pennsylvania is also called the “Cradle of the United States” because it was here that the American Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, then the largest city in North America, and the Constitution were signed.

The US state of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, largest city in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is bordered by New Jersey to the east, Delaware to the southeast, Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, and New York to the north. The total area of ​​the state, in which about 12.4 million people live, is 119,283 km². This means that Pennsylvania is roughly the size of Nicaragua in terms of area. As recently as 2006, almost 30% or 3.6 million of these residents stated that they were of German descent, the largest population group in the state, ahead of groups originating from Ireland (18%) and Italy (13%).

The capital, Harrisburg, declared itself insolvent on October 12, 2011. However, Harrisburg became known for the nuclear accident in neighboring Middletown, at the Three Mile Island power plant in 1979. The highest point in the state is Mount Davis at 979 meters above sea level. The landscape of Pennsylvania is characterized by deciduous forests and hill country. In the east of the country you will find the low mountain range of the Appalachian Mountains. In the south of the state lies the archaeological site of Meadowcroft.

A farmer in Kutztown bringing in the corn

Fruit, vegetables, corn, wheat, oats, barley, potatoes, and soybeans are grown very successfully in the Appalachian Valley and on the surrounding hills and plateaux thanks to the nutrient-rich soil.

In addition, large quantities of pigs and cattle are farmed, with Pennsylvania being one of the most important suppliers of fresh milk in the USA, for example.

Coal, natural gas and oil are produced in other parts of the state. For many decades the Pittsburgh area was the premier area for the US steel industry, and it is still home to some large steel-making operations today.

The biggest cities

These include the following cities, the population figures from 2010 are rounded.

• Philadelphia 1,500,000
• Pittsburgh 306,000
• Allentown 118.000
• Erie 102.000
• Reading 88.000

Climate and weather conditions

Pennsylvania has a predominantly continental climate, influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic. Sufficient rainfall falls here all year round, which is good for nature and the growth of the plants and trees in the region. Over 3,000 lakes and several large national parks can be found here. Consider visiting the state in the summer and fall, as Pennsylvania is quite cool in the winter and spring.

The summer, on the other hand, is quite warm and the autumn offers pleasantly mild temperatures, so these two seasons are the best time to travel for us. In the area around Lake Erie it is also a bit warmer, and a very tasty wine is also grown here, which you can also try when you visit one of the local winegrowers.

Lackawanna Heritage Valley

In northeastern Pennsylvania is an area called the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, which protects the Lackawanna River watershed in Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Luzerne counties. In 1991, the area was declared the first park protected by the state of Pennsylvania, and in 2000 it was recognized as a national protected area by the US Congress.

Lackawanna Heritage Valley (LHVA) is primarily focused on protecting the environment, restoring a strong and diverse economy, and the spirit of the place. It cooperates with various businesses, organizations, but also with the government and together tries to develop the individual historical, cultural, economic and natural resources of this region.

The area is of great value to the Americans. People settled here in the early 19th century, but within a few years the valley became an important center of trade. This was mainly due to the rich reserves of black coal, which was located just below the surface. Thus, 80% of the global production of hard coal came from Pennsylvania. It was the fuel that was important for powering the machines. In addition to coal, iron and steel also began to be produced here, railways were built and textile production also developed. The Lackawanna Valley thus became the region that drove the American Industrial Revolution.

Between 1860 and 1910, industrial activity in the area attracted thousands of new immigrants, making it one of the most densely populated in America. Today, the area is highly sought after by tourists who want to reminisce about American history, do some hiking, or go for a cultural tour. There are several museums here, such as the City Trolley Museum or the Anthracite Heritage Museum. However, nature lovers will also find something to do here, with 40 miles of marked hiking trails, a walking and biking trail along the Lackawanna River.