Pennsylvania

Green: that's Pennsylvania. Two great cities - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh — anchor the corners of a patchwork quilt of farms and forests, held together by threads of rivers and streams. Most of Pennsylvania is rural, and the villages are as delightful as the open spaces. But the Keystone State is far more than it's verdant surface; Pennsylvania was fundamental in the formation of America as we know it. Built on a foundation of religious freedom by founder William Penn (and named "Penns Woods" in his father's honor), the state played a major role in American independence: Philadelphia hosted representatives of the continental congress and ...

Green: that's Pennsylvania. Two great cities - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh — anchor the corners of a patchwork quilt of farms and forests, held together by threads of rivers and streams. Most of Pennsylvania is rural, and the villages are as delightful as the open spaces. But the Keystone State is far more than it's verdant surface; Pennsylvania was fundamental in the formation of America as we know it. Built on a foundation of religious freedom by founder William Penn (and named "Penns Woods" in his father's honor), the state played a major role in American independence: Philadelphia hosted representatives of the continental congress and served as the nerve center of the Revolution. Gettysburg resounds as one of the most bitter battles of the War between the States. Pittsburgh's famous son, Andrew Carnegie, changed the face of industry and made America the leader in steel production. The nation's coal was mined, and oil was first refined and put to use as a fuel here.Visitors come for the history, the city sophistication, the beauty, and the many opportunities for outdoor recreation: hiking, biking, canoeing, hunting, fishing — even caving (central Pennsylvania is underlaid with a foundation of limestone karst). This big, friendly state has it all.

About the Expert

Joanne Miller is the author of several Moon guidebooks, including Pennsylvania Handbook, Chesapeake Bay Handbook, and Maryland/Delaware Handbook.