The Top 10 Little-Known Facts About Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is known for many things, such as chocolate factories, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Philly cheesesteak; however, what many individuals don’t know might be even more interesting.
Keep reading to learn ten little-known facts about Pennsylvania.
The Announcement of Freedom Was Signed in Philadelphia
On August 2nd, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall.
The signing of the Declaration of Independence is considered the most important moment in American democracy. On that day the separation of 13 North American British Colonies from Great Britain was finalized.
The Nation’s First Daily Newspaper Was Made in Pennsylvania
On September 2nd, 1784, the Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser began publishing the nation’s first daily newspaper. The paper was founded by John Dunlap in 1771 as a weekly paper and it was so successful the publishing company expanded.
This daily newspaper was only printed until 1790 but created a new standard for local publishing companies around America.
Pennsylvania Has the Third Most Medical Marijuana Patients
Medical marijuana only became legal for Pennsylvania residents in 2016, which is why their high number of cannabis patients is so impressive.
PA is outnumbered by California and New York; however, California legalized medical marijuana in 1996 and New York in 2014, but it was decriminalized in 1977.
Since PA’s legalization, patient numbers quickly outgrew many states that have been legal for decades. To add yourself to the number of medical marijuana patients in PA, visit Veriheal.com.
In Pennsylvania, mushrooms are produced at a higher rate than in any other state
In 2022, Pennsylvania produced 446.6 million pounds of mushrooms, which accounted for more than %65 of America’s mushroom production.
The majority of mushroom farms in PA are family-owned and operated, and even multigenerational businesses that have been passed through the family tree.
Pennsylvania is the top producer of white buttons, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.
Pennsylvania Has the Largest Concentration of Amish
In 2020, the number of Amish individuals in America reached about 344,670, and 81,500 of those individuals lived in Pennsylvania. This Amish community is located in Lancaster County, which is America’s oldest settlement.
An Anabaptist Christian church, the Amish are a traditionalist group Origins are German and Alsatian.. This community is known for its simple living, slowness in adopting modern technology, and self-sufficiency. Visiting “Amish country” can be a refreshing experience that reminds you to appreciate culture, nature, and family.
Home of the Worst Nuclear Accident in America
Around 1979, a series of mechanical and humanoid errors caused in the worst commercial nuclear misfortune in history. That day, a partial reactor meltdown at a nuclear power plant released harmful radioactive gasses into the atmosphere that luckily, had minuscule health effects on the surrounding community.
Although the accident was unfortunate, the errors drew attention to how other plants could improve, which resulted in safer nuclear power plants countrywide.
Benjamin Franklin First Tried Many Inventions in Philadelphia
Benjamin Franklin is one of the most celebrated inventors, authors, scientists, and diplomats of all time. His thoughts and creations helped shape the American Revolution and life as we know it today.
A little-known fact about Pennsylvania is that Benjamin Franklin tested many of his infamous inventions in the state. Examples include the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, and the 24-hour three-wheel clock. Franklin also founded America’s first public hospital, mutual insurance company, liberal arts academy, and circulating library in Pennsylvania.
The First Site of Human Habitation in the Country Was in Pennsylvania
The Meadowcroft Rockshelter located near Avella in Jefferson County Pennsylvania is the oldest known location of human inhabitants in North America.
This archaeological site is a rock shelter on a bluff overseeing Cross Creek that is supposed to have been frequently habited for above 19,000 years.
Pittsburgh Was the Place Where Czechoslovakia Was Created
In 1918, the Pittsburgh agreement helped two countries (Czech Nation and Slovakia) preserve their identities during World War I.
This manuscript affirmed the intent of Czechs and Slovaks to form a new self-governing nation in Europe, free from outside rule. This Pittsburgh Agreement was a turning point for the new nation because it helped them break away from the Hungarian state of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which mounted repressive ethnic and religious policies.
Cars Roll Uphill on Gravity Hill in North Park
Gravity Hill in Pittsburgh is one of the only locations that seem to have altered gravity, allowing vehicles to roll uphill.
In the Northwestern corner of North Park, is the intersection of McKinney Road and Kummer Road- this is where the “magic” happens. If you stop your vehicle at the stop sign on Kummer Road and put it in neutral, it will begin to roll backward uphill.
Nobody knows why this phenomenon occurs, but it is likely some sort of optical illusion.
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