Discover the Keystone State: Top 14 Fun Facts About Pennsylvania You Never Knew!
1. Running of the Santas
In Pennsylvania, Santa Claus isn't just coming to town - he's running through the streets with a posse of similarly dressed revelers in tow: The annual Running of the Santas event in Philadelphia features folks donning their jolliest red suits as they race to NRG Station and back to Xfinity Live, partaking in delightful shenanigans such as stein holding, bull riding, karaoke, and so much more, making this festivity a true holly jolly hustle in the Keystone State.
Source => runningofthesantas.com
2. Birthplace of Skee-Ball
Before you score big on your next rendezvous with the arcade's high roller, tip your cap to the Pennsylvanian mastermind who first set our sights on that ever-elusive 100-point hole: Skee-Ball was invented and patented by J.D. Estes of Philadelphia in 1909, later purchased by Joe Sladek in 1985, and is now based in Chalfont, Bucks County. Though the game's manufacturer was recently sold to Wisconsin-based Bay Tek Games, the legacy of Pennsylvanian Skee-Ball prowess shall forever echo through the jubilant clanging of tokens and cascading of mechanically dispensed tickets.
Source => phillyvoice.com
Did you know that Delaware's official marine animal, the horseshoe crab, plays a crucial role in medical advancements with its uniquely blue blood and chitin armor? Discover how these fascinating creatures contribute to healthcare and make Delaware Bay a hotspot for claw-savvy heroes!
=> Fun Facts about Delaware
3. First Commercial Oil Well
Before there was Texas tea or Beverly Hillbillies crude, the Keystone State was the oil slick of the town: Pennsylvania takes the cake for being home to the first commercially successful oil well, drilled by Edwin Drake in 1859 near Titusville, paving the way for the modern petroleum industry as we know it.
Source => criterion.com
4. Home of the Banana Split
In a town where bananas go to fulfill their delicious destinies, one man revolutionized the way we split our favorite fruit: David Strickler, a young pharmacist in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, invented the banana split back in 1904, concocting a heavenly dessert consisting of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream scoops nestled between a ripe banana, topped with fruity sauces, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry. This monumental moment in dessert history has been commemorated with plaques, associations, and even a grand banana split statue at the Great American Banana Split Celebration.
Source => atlasobscura.com
5. Historic Thunderhawk Roller Coaster
If you're feeling "roller coasta" and craving some old-school thrills: Pennsylvania's Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom houses Thunderhawk, one of the world's oldest operating roller coasters. This rickety relic, designed by Herbert Paul Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, has been dishing out thrills and chills since it first whooshed onto the scene in 1924 as "The Coaster."
Source => en.wikipedia.org
6. Pretzel Capital of the U.S.
In a twist of dough-lightful fate, Pennsylvania firmly holds the title of the ultimate pretzel contortionist – taking both soft and hard categories for a whole-grain leg lock: Earning its moniker as the "Pretzel Belt," Pennsylvania produces and consumes around 80% of the country's pretzels, boasting 45 pretzel companies which include big names such as Synder's of Hanover, Herr's, and Auntie Anne's, as well as artisan brands like OMG Pretzels and Axel's Pretzels – leading to a remarkable 12 pounds of pretzel consumption per Pennsylvanian, thanks to their German immigrant ancestors who brought the pretzel-making tradition.
Source => paeats.org
7. The Sweet Town of Hershey
In a world where dentist's nightmares are made real and chocolate reigns supreme, there exists a town so sweet, it leaves Willy Wonka green with envy: Hershey, Pennsylvania, founded by Milton Hershey in 1903 as a model town for his chocolate factory employees, is now a delightful tourist destination boasting Hershey's Chocolate World, a chocolate-themed hotel, and even a spa where guests can indulge in sumptuous cocoa treatments.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
8. Charming Forge Mansion Drama
In a world where modern marvels take center stage, it turns out that Pennsylvania has a real "iron" in the fire when it comes to Colonial-era architecture with a splash of economic drama: The Charming Forge Mansion in Womelsdorf, originally built in 1749 as "tulpehocken eisenhammer" (which is just fancy Pennsylvania German for "iron forge"), was once owned by an ambitious William Henry Stiegel, who went belly up and had to sell his beloved mansion in a rather "uncharming" auction. Now fully restored and equipped with modern-day conveniences, this historical gem can be yours for a cool $825,000.
Source => sfgate.com
9. Birthplace of America
Ever wondered where Uncle Sam tied the knot to Lady Liberty? It was none other than the land of cheesesteaks and Amish country: Pennsylvania! Aptly nicknamed "the Keystone State," Pennsylvania is home to historic treasures like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, making it the proud Birthplace of America.
Source => ydr.com
10. Bustling 30th Street Station
Step right up and hop aboard the Choo-Choo Chariot to Fun Land: Philadelphia's 30th Street Station was, in fact, the third busiest Amtrak station in the US during FY 2013, serving a whopping 4.1 million rail passengers and cementing itself as an essential East Coast transportation hub for both residents and wandering adventurers alike.
Source => technical.ly
11. The Slinky's Springy Origins
Next time you feel an urge to "spring" into action, remember this Pennsylvania-born icon: The Slinky was invented in 1943 by mechanical engineer Richard James, who initially wanted to create springs to steady equipment on ships, but accidentally created a walking toy sensation that has sold over 250 million units.
Source => museumofplay.org
12. Choco-opolis: Hershey's Empire
In a land where sugar and cocoa are serious business, there exists a choco-opolis that would make even Willy Wonka jealous: Pennsylvania is home to the world-renowned Hershey's chocolate, founded by Milton Hershey in 1894, and even boasts a town built around its scrumptious factory – aptly named Hershey – which continues to attract sweet-toothed tourists to its delectable amusement park, Hersheypark.
Source => statesymbolsusa.org
13. Meteorologist Groundhog: Punxsutawney Phil
Every winter, the residents of Punxsutawney gather 'round the burrow of a rodent who seemingly majored in meteorology: On February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil, the renowned groundhog, emerges from his temporary home on Gobbler's Knob to predict the arrival of spring or the extension of winter, a tradition celebrated since 1887 that delights visitors from around the globe.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
14. Constitution Signed in Pennsylvania
Whoever said, "United we stand, divided we fall," probably didn't know the historic consequences of a group of rebellious statesmen gathering in a stuffy room to put their John Hancocks on a piece of parchment: The United States Constitution was signed in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 17, 1787, by 39 delegates from 12 states, including American Revolutionaries and leaders from various governmental levels, while the convention's secretary, William Jackson, added a note verifying four hand-made amendments and signed it to authenticate the document.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
