10 fun and interesting Pennsylvania facts

1. Pennsylvania's First Baseball Stadium

In 1909, the first baseball stadium in Pennsylvania was built in Pittsburgh, marking a major milestone in the state's history. The stadium, which was located in the city's North Side, was a source of pride for the people of Pittsburgh and the entire state. It was the first of its kind in Pennsylvania and was a symbol of the city's commitment to the sport of baseball. The stadium was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who went on to become one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball. The stadium was eventually replaced in 2001, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of baseball fans in Pennsylvania.

Also → Betsy Ross: The Woman Who Designed and Sewed the First American Flag

2. Hershey, The Chocolate Capital

The city of Hershey, Pennsylvania is renowned for its delicious chocolate treats, earning it the title of the "Chocolate Capital" of the United States. Home to the Hershey chocolate factory, this city produces a wide variety of candy bars, from the classic Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar to the decadent Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme. With its sweet treats and rich history, Hershey, Pennsylvania is a must-visit destination for any chocolate lover.

Also → James Buchanan's Home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

3. The Star Theater Provides Hope During The Great Depression

During the Great Depression, The Star Theater in Mercerburg, Pennsylvania provided a unique way for people to enjoy a show: by paying for entry with canned food. This food was then donated to the local soup kitchen, providing much-needed sustenance to those in need. The Star Theater was a beacon of hope in a time of economic hardship, offering a way for people to enjoy a show while also helping their community.

Also → The City of Bridges: Pittsburgh's Record-Breaking 446 Bridges

4. Betsy Ross was born in Philadelphia and made the first American flag

Pennsylvania is home to a piece of American history - the first American flag was made in Philadelphia by Betsy Ross. This iconic symbol of patriotism was crafted in the city of Philadelphia in the late 1700s, and has since become a symbol of freedom and unity for the United States. Betsy Ross was a seamstress and upholsterer who was commissioned by George Washington to create the first American flag, and her work has been celebrated ever since. Pennsylvania is proud to be the birthplace of the American flag, and it is a reminder of the courage and strength of the American people.

Also → James Buchanan: 15th President of the United States

5. Jimmy Stewart's Hometown Celebrates Christmas

The small town of Indiana, Pennsylvania is forever linked to the classic actor Jimmy Stewart, who was born there in 1908. To honor his legacy, the town celebrates Christmas each year in the style of Stewart's iconic film, "It's A Wonderful Life". Streets are lined with festive decorations, and the town square is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a life-sized replica of the Bailey Building & Loan. It's a unique and special way to remember the beloved actor and his timeless movie.

Also → Forbes Field: The Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates

6. PA's Rockville Bridge: World's Longest Stone Arch Bridge

The Rockville Bridge, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is the longest stone arch bridge in the world. Spanning an impressive 3,820 feet, the bridge was built in 1902 and is still in use today. It is made of limestone and sandstone, and is a testament to the engineering and construction skills of the time. The bridge is a popular tourist attraction, and is a reminder of the state's rich history.

Also → David Bohm: Pioneering Physicist

7. Lecturers Banned from Drinking Soda in Hazelton, PA

In the city of Hazelton, Pennsylvania, it is illegal for any person lecturing students to consume a carbonated beverage while doing so. This law was put in place to ensure that students are not distracted by the sound of the beverage being opened or consumed, and that the lecturer can maintain their focus on the material being taught. The law also ensures that the lecturer is not seen as a role model for drinking carbonated beverages while teaching.

Also → Jim Furyk, golfer from West Chester, Pennsylvania

8. Philly World's 1st Computer City

In 1946, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania made history by becoming the first city in the world to establish a computer. This revolutionary machine, known as the ENIAC, was developed by the University of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Army's Ballistics Research Laboratory. It was the first large-scale, general-purpose, electronic digital computer, and it was capable of performing a variety of complex calculations. The ENIAC was a major milestone in the development of modern computing, and it helped to usher in a new era of technological advancement.

Also → Oldest US Minor League Stadium: Duncan Park, SC

9. Signing of the Declaration: PA's Revolutionary Role

In 1776, the Founding Fathers of the United States of America gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to sign the Declaration of Independence, a document that declared the 13 colonies' independence from Great Britain and established the United States as a sovereign nation. This momentous event, which took place in the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall), marked the beginning of a new era in American history and set the stage for the formation of the United States Constitution.

Also → Wabash, Indiana Becomes First City in US to Have Electric Streetlights

10. The Birthplace of the Piano

In 1775, Johann Behrent made history by constructing the first piano ever built in the United States in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This remarkable feat of craftsmanship was a major milestone in the development of the piano, and it marked the beginning of a long and illustrious history of piano-making in the United States. Behrent's piano was a remarkable achievement, and it set the stage for the many advancements in piano technology that would follow in the years to come.