Pennsylvania, officially known as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a U.S. state located in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions. It shares borders with Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, Lake Erie, New York, New Jersey, and the Canadian province of Ontario.
1901: Second Architectural Contest for the Pennsylvania State Capitol
In 1901, following public disapproval of the previous capitol building, a second architectural contest was held, this time limited to Pennsylvania architects, to design a new Pennsylvania State Capitol.
1902: Coal Strike of 1902
The Coal Strike of 1902, a significant labor strike in Pennsylvania, took place in 1902.
1903: Milton S. Hershey Begins Chocolate Factory Construction
In 1903, Milton S. Hershey initiated the construction of his chocolate factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This marked the beginning of The Hershey Company, which would become a dominant force in the North American chocolate industry.
1904: Pitt Panthers Football Undefeated Season
The Pitt Panthers completed an undefeated season in college football in 1904.
1907: Completion of the Pennsylvania State Capitol
The present Pennsylvania State Capitol, designed by Joseph Miller Huston, was completed and dedicated in 1907. The building incorporated the existing structure built by Henry Ives Cobb.
1908: Penn Quakers Football National Championship
The Penn Quakers secured a national championship in college football in 1908.
1910: Pitt Panthers Football Undefeated Season
The University of Pittsburgh's Panthers went undefeated in the 1910 college football season.
1911: Weeks Act
The Weeks Act, passed in 1911, provided the legal framework for President Coolidge to establish the Allegheny National Forest in 1923.
1912: Penn State Nittany Lions Football Undefeated Season
The Penn State Nittany Lions went undefeated in college football during the 1912 season.
1915: Pitt Panthers Football National Championship
The Pitt Panthers secured a national championship in college football in 1915.
1916: Pitt Panthers Football National Championship
The University of Pittsburgh's football team, the Panthers, won their second consecutive national championship in 1916.
1917: Pitt Panthers Football Undefeated Season
The Pitt Panthers achieved an undefeated season in college football in 1917.
May 31, 1918: Pittsburgh Agreement
On May 31, 1918, the Pittsburgh Agreement was signed in Pittsburgh. This agreement declared the establishment of an independent Czechoslovakia.
1918: Pitt Panthers Football National Championship
The Pitt Panthers achieved their third national championship in college football in 1918.
1920: Pitt Panthers Football Undefeated Season
The Pitt Panthers completed an undefeated season in college football in 1920.
1920: Penn Quakers Basketball National Championship
The Penn Quakers won their first national championship in college basketball in 1920.
1921: Penn Quakers Basketball National Championship
The Penn Quakers secured their second national championship in college basketball in 1921.
1921: Washington & Jefferson Presidents Football National Championship
The Washington & Jefferson Presidents won a national championship in college football in 1921.
1921: Establishment of Leading Potato Chip Companies in Pennsylvania
Two of the nation's top potato chip companies, Utz Brands and Wise Foods, originated in Pennsylvania in 1921, with Utz starting in Hanover and Wise in Berwick, establishing the state's legacy in snack food manufacturing.
1922: UMW General Coal Strike
In 1922, a significant coal strike, known as the UMW General coal strike, involved 310,000 Pennsylvania miners and caused widespread shutdowns of coal mines across the state for 163 days.
1923: Establishment of the Allegheny National Forest
President Calvin Coolidge established the Allegheny National Forest in 1923, utilizing the authority granted by the Weeks Act of 1911.
1928: Pitt Panthers Basketball National Championship
The Pitt Panthers won a national championship in college basketball in 1928.
1929: Pitt Panthers Football National Championship
The University of Pittsburgh's football team, the Panthers, won a national championship in 1929.
1930: Pitt Panthers Basketball National Championship
The Pitt Panthers secured their second national championship title in college basketball in 1930.
1931: Pitt Panthers Football National Championship
The Pitt Panthers secured another national championship victory in college football in 1931.
1932: Presidential Election Significance
In 1932, Herbert Hoover lost the presidential election, marking one of the few times a candidate won the White House without winning Pennsylvania, highlighting the state's significance as a swing state.
1934: Pitt Panthers Football National Championship
The Pitt Panthers claimed a national championship in college football in 1934.
1936: Pitt Panthers Football National Championship
The University of Pittsburgh's football team, the Panthers, won the national championship in 1936.
1937: Pitt Panthers Football National Championship
The University of Pittsburgh's Panthers secured their ninth national championship in college football in 1937.
1938: Temple Owls Basketball National Championship
The Temple Owls secured a national championship victory in college basketball in 1938.
1947: Historical Senate Representation in Pennsylvania
Prior to 2009, the last time Pennsylvania had two Democratic senators was in 1947, indicating a historical pattern of Republican representation in the state's Senate.
1950: Pittsburgh's Decline in Population
By 1950, Pittsburgh had fallen out of the top ten most populated cities in the US due to the decline and restructuring of heavy industries like steel.
1954: La Salle Explorers Basketball National Championship
The La Salle Explorers won the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament in 1954.
1959: Little League World Series Inauguration
The first Little League World Series was held in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 1959.
1968: Fifth and Current Constitution of Pennsylvania Adopted
Pennsylvania adopted its fifth and current constitution in 1968.
1968: Presidential Election Significance
Similar to 1932, in 1968, Hubert Humphrey lost the presidential election without winning Pennsylvania, reinforcing the state's historical importance as a swing state in presidential races.
1968: Penn State Nittany Lions Football Undefeated Season
The Penn State Nittany Lions completed an undefeated season in college football in 1968.
1969: Penn State Nittany Lions Football Undefeated Season
For the second consecutive year, the Penn State Nittany Lions went undefeated in the 1969 college football season.
1973: Penn State Nittany Lions Football Undefeated Season
The Penn State Nittany Lions achieved an undefeated season in college football in 1973.
1975: McCandless Township Adopts Home-Rule Charter
While remaining legally a first-class township, McCandless Township adopted a home-rule charter in 1975, assuming the name "Town of McCandless."
1976: Pitt Panthers Football National Championship
The Pitt Panthers achieved a national championship win in college football in 1976.
1982: Penn State Nittany Lions Football National Championship
Penn State secured a national championship in college football in 1982.
1985: Villanova Wildcats Basketball National Championship
The Villanova Wildcats achieved a historic victory in 1985, winning their first NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.
1986: Penn State Nittany Lions Football National Championship
The Penn State Nittany Lions won their second national championship in college football in 1986.
1988: Presidential Election Significance
In 1988, Hubert Humphrey's loss in the presidential election marked another instance where a candidate won the presidency without securing Pennsylvania, further solidifying the state's crucial role in presidential elections.
1988: Legalization of Homeschooling in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 169 in 1988, legalizing homeschooling as a viable alternative to compulsory public school attendance for families seeking alternative educational approaches.
1990: Growth of Information-Based Industries and Increased Immigration
After 1990, as information-based industries became more economically significant, state and local governments in Pennsylvania increased their investment in the established public library system. This period also saw an influx of new ethnic groups, particularly Hispanics and Latinos, who migrated to Pennsylvania to take on low-skill jobs in the agricultural and service sectors.
1992: Shifting Political Alignment in Pennsylvania Regions
Following 1992, the traditionally moderate Republican suburbs of Philadelphia began to swing Democratic, while the historically Democratic Pittsburgh suburbs trended more Republican, illustrating a dynamic shift in regional political alignments.
1992: Pennsylvania's Democratic Trend in Presidential Elections
From 1992 onwards, Pennsylvania showed a Democratic leaning in presidential elections, with Bill Clinton winning twice by significant margins.
1992: Pennsylvania's Voting Patterns in National Elections
Since 1992, Pennsylvania has generally leaned Democrat in national elections, consistently voting for the Democratic presidential candidate.
1993: Record Black Bear in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania tied the record for the largest hunter-shot black bear in the Boone and Crockett record books in 1993, with a bear weighing 733 lbs, sharing the honor with a bear harvested in California the same year.
1994: Penn State Nittany Lions Football Undefeated Season
The Penn State Nittany Lions finished the 1994 college football season undefeated.
2000: Pennsylvania's Democratic Trend in Presidential Elections
Al Gore's victory in Pennsylvania in 2000, though by a smaller margin, continued the state's Democratic trend in presidential elections.
2000: Growth of the Puerto Rican Community in Allentown
By the year 2000, the Puerto Rican community in Allentown, Pennsylvania, had grown significantly, representing over 40% of the city's total population.
2000: Anabaptist Population Statistics for Pennsylvania
Data from 2000 revealed a sizable Anabaptist population in Pennsylvania, totaling 232,631 individuals, approximately 2% of the state's population. This included 47,860 Amish, 146,416 Mennonites, and 91,200 Brethren.
2000: Start of Significant Demographic Shifts
The period between 2000 and 2010 marked a time of significant demographic shifts in Pennsylvania.
September 11, 2001: September 11 Attacks and the Crash of United Airlines Flight 93
On September 11, 2001, United Airlines Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, after being hijacked by Al-Qaeda terrorists. All 40 passengers and crew members, along with the four hijackers, perished. Passengers and crew, aware of the attacks on the World Trade Center, fought back against the terrorists, preventing the plane from reaching its intended target, believed to be either the U.S. Capitol or the White House.
2001: X Games at LOVE Park
Philadelphia's LOVE Park, a popular skateboarding spot, hosted ESPN's X Games in 2001.
2002: X Games at LOVE Park
The X Games returned to Philadelphia's LOVE Park for a second consecutive year in 2002.
2003: Tekko Anime Convention Begins
The first Tekko anime convention was held in Pittsburgh in 2003. It has since become an annual event.
2004: Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit Introduced
The year 2004 marked the beginning of the Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit, a move that stimulated the growth of a film industry in the state.
2004: Smarty Jones' Historic Wins
Smarty Jones, whose home track was Harrah's Philadelphia, won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2004.
2004: Pennsylvania's Democratic Trend in Presidential Elections
John F. Kerry's win against George W. Bush in 2004, with 51% of the vote, demonstrated Pennsylvania's continued support for Democratic presidential candidates.
2004: Casino Gambling Legalized
Casino gambling was legalized in Pennsylvania in 2004, paving the way for the establishment of casinos.
2005: High School Graduation Rates in Pennsylvania
In 2005, Pennsylvania boasted a high school graduation rate of 83.8% for residents aged 18 to 24 and 86.7% for those aged 25 and older.
2007: Pennsylvania's High Ranking in Boone and Crockett Black Bear Records
By 2007, Pennsylvania had secured the second-highest number of Boone and Crockett-recorded black bears, totaling 183, trailing only Wisconsin with 299 entries, highlighting the state's significant black bear population.
2007: Standardized Test Performance of Pennsylvania Students
In 2007, Pennsylvania students demonstrated strong performance in standardized tests, ranking 14th in math, 12th in reading, and 10th in writing nationally for eighth graders.
2008: Pennsylvania's Voting Patterns in National Elections
During the 2008 election, Pennsylvania saw a surge in registered Democrats, outnumbering Republicans by 1.2 million, reflecting the state's Democratic lean.
2008: Debt Repayment and Land Grant
In 2008, the debt of £16,000 owed to William Penn's father was valued around £2,100,000, adjusting for retail inflation.
2008: Pennsylvania's Democratic Trend in Presidential Elections
Barack Obama's victory in Pennsylvania in 2008, with 54% of the vote, further emphasized the state's tendency to favor Democratic presidential candidates.
2008: Pennsylvania's Recognition as Snack Food Capital
Author Sharon Hernes Silverman, writing in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, dubbed Pennsylvania the "snack food capital of the world" in 2008, recognizing the state's leading role in pretzel and potato chip production.
2009: Higher Education Attainment Among Pennsylvania High School Graduates
Data from 2009 showed that 27.5% of Pennsylvania high school graduates pursued and achieved a bachelor's degree or higher.
2009: Shift in Pennsylvania Senate Representation
In 2009, Pennsylvania was represented by two Democratic senators for the first time since 1947, marking a notable shift in the state's political landscape.
2009: Villanova Wildcats Football National Championship
The Villanova Wildcats won the NCAA Division I Football Championship in 2009.
January 2010: Table Games Legalized in Pennsylvania
In January 2010, table games such as poker, roulette, blackjack, and craps were legalized in Pennsylvania, expanding the state's gambling offerings.
2010: Republican Resurgence in Pennsylvania Politics
In 2010, Republicans regained control of a U.S. Senate seat, a majority in the state's congressional delegation, both chambers of the state legislature, and the governorship, demonstrating a resurgence of Republican influence.
2010: Ancestry of Pennsylvania Residents
The 2010 census revealed the largest ancestry groups in Pennsylvania based on self-reported responses. The most prevalent ancestries were German (28.5%), Irish (18.2%), Italian (12.8%), African American (9.6%), English (8.5%), Polish (7.2%), and French (4.2%).
2010: 2010 U.S. Census
Pennsylvania's population was recorded as 12,702,379 in the 2010 U.S. Census.
2010: Pennsylvania German Language Statistics
In 2010, it was reported that almost one percent of Pennsylvania's population spoke Pennsylvania German, a language often mistaken as Pennsylvania Dutch. The term "Dutch" was historically used to refer to German. Pennsylvania German is categorized as a West Central German dialect, closely related to Palatine German. This language remained prevalent among Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonite communities, especially in Lancaster and Berks Counties.
2010: Quaker Population in Pennsylvania Reported
Despite Pennsylvania's historical ties to Quakers, the Religious Society of Friends constituted a small minority by 2010, with only about 10,000 adherents.
2010: Presbyterian Denominational Statistics Reported
In 2010, Pennsylvania, particularly the Greater Pittsburgh area, was recognized for having one of the nation's largest Presbyterian communities. The American Presbyterian Church was the largest denomination with 250,000 members and 1,011 congregations. The Presbyterian Church in America followed with 112 congregations and 23,000 adherents. Estimates placed the Evangelical Presbyterian Church at 50 congregations, including the ECO.
2010: Pennsylvania Population and Religious Affiliation Data Released
In 2010, Pennsylvania's population was recorded at 12,702,379, with an estimated 53.8% affiliated with organized religion. Leading religious groups included the Catholic Church (3,503,028 adherents), the United Methodist Church (591,734 members), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (501,974 members).
2010: Geographic Distribution of Hispanic or Latino Americans
By 2010, approximately 85% of Hispanic or Latino Americans in Pennsylvania resided within a 150-mile radius of Philadelphia, with about 20% living within the city itself.
2010: Growth of Hispanic and Latino American Population
Between 2000 and 2010, Pennsylvania witnessed a substantial 82.6% surge in its Hispanic or Latino American population, primarily attributed to migration from Puerto Rico and, to a lesser degree, immigration from countries like the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and other Central and South American nations. This growth was also influenced by Hispanic and Latino individuals seeking safer and more affordable living conditions, relocating from cities like New York City and areas within New Jersey.
2010: High Proportion of Elderly Citizens
Based on the 2010 census, Pennsylvania had the fourth-highest percentage of elderly citizens (aged 65 and above) in the United States, at 15.4%, surpassing the national average of 13.0%.
2010: Languages Spoken in Pennsylvania
As of the 2010 census, English was the primary language spoken at home by 90.2% of Pennsylvania residents aged five and older. Spanish followed with 4.1%, German (including Pennsylvania Dutch) with 0.9%, and Chinese (including Mandarin) with 0.5%. Overall, 9.9% of Pennsylvanians aged five and older reported speaking a language other than English at home.
2011: Pennsylvania Records a High Number of Tornadoes
In 2011, Pennsylvania experienced a significant number of tornadoes, with 30 recorded throughout the year. Fortunately, most of these tornadoes did not result in substantial damage.
2011: Economic Impact of Agriculture in Pennsylvania
In 2011, the agricultural sector in Pennsylvania employed over 66,800 people in food manufacturing and generated over $1.7 billion in food product exports.
2011: Shift in Pennsylvania Senate Representation
The period of having two Democratic senators in Pennsylvania continued until 2011, highlighting a brief but significant change in the state's political representation.
2012: Tax Burden and Revenue Sources in Pennsylvania
In 2012, Pennsylvania had the 15th highest tax burden in the US, with residents paying an average of $4,589 annually. Politicians explored ways to increase revenue from out-of-state sources, including taxing natural gas drilling and adding tolls on Interstate 80.
2012: Pennsylvania's Voting Patterns in National Elections
Pennsylvania's Democratic leaning in national elections continued until 2012, marking a significant period of Democratic dominance in the state.
2014: Democratic Victory in Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Election
Democrats reclaimed the governorship in the 2014 election, marking the first time an incumbent governor lost a re-election bid since the introduction of gubernatorial re-election eligibility.
2014: Pew Research Center Reports on Religious Demographics
In 2014, the Pew Research Center reported that 73% of Pennsylvania's religious population identified as Christian, with Protestants constituting the largest group at 47%. Among Christians, Catholics represented the largest denomination, accounting for 24%.
2016: Villanova Wildcats Basketball National Championship
The Villanova Wildcats claimed victory in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament in 2016.
2016: Four-Year High School Graduation Rates in Pennsylvania
This entry highlights the four-year graduation rates for Pennsylvania high school students who completed their studies in 2016.
2016: Employment Statistics for Pennsylvania Reported
In 2016, Pennsylvania had 5,354,964 employed individuals across 301,484 employer establishments.
2016: Pennsylvania's Democratic Trend in Presidential Elections
The Democratic leaning in Pennsylvania continued until 2016, when Donald Trump broke the trend, highlighting a shift in the state's political landscape.
2016: Donald Trump's Victory in Pennsylvania
In a departure from recent history, Republican Donald Trump won Pennsylvania in the 2016 presidential election, securing 48% of the vote and breaking the state's Democratic streak.
2017: Poverty Rate in Pennsylvania
In 2017, the poverty rate in Pennsylvania was estimated at 12.5% by the U.S. Census Bureau, slightly lower than the national average of 13.4%.
October 2018: Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting
In October 2018, the Tree of Life - Or L'Simcha Congregation, a conservative Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh, was targeted in a mass shooting. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of 11 lives.
2018: Pennsylvania's Economic Leadership in Various Sectors
By 2018, Pennsylvania emerged as a national leader in several economic sectors, including beer production (3.9 million barrels annually), farmers' markets (over 6,000), food processing companies (2,300), hardwood lumber production (a billion board feet annually), mushroom farms (68), natural gas production, potato chip manufacturing (24 facilities producing a quarter of the nation's total), and pretzel manufacturing (80% of the nation's total).
2018: Passenger Rail Traffic and Importance of Philadelphia's 30th Street Station
In 2018, Philadelphia's 30th Street Station, a major hub for Amtrak, served over four million inter-city rail passengers, securing its position as the third-busiest train station in the U.S., highlighting the significance of rail travel in and through Pennsylvania.
2018: Top Countries of Origin for Immigrants
In 2018, the main source countries for immigrants moving to Pennsylvania were India, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, and Vietnam.
2018: Expansion of Intercity Bus Service in Pennsylvania
OurBus expanded its intercity bus services in 2018 to connect various locations in Pennsylvania, including West Chester, Malvern, King of Prussia, and Fort Washington, to New York City, providing greater transportation options for commuters.
2018: Sports Betting Legalized in Pennsylvania
Sports betting was legalized in Pennsylvania in 2018, leading to significant tax revenue for state and local governments.
2018: Villanova Wildcats Basketball National Championship
The Villanova Wildcats secured another win at the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament in 2018.
2019: Population Changes and Migration Patterns
In 2019, Pennsylvania experienced a net loss of 27,718 residents due to migration to other states, but this was offset by a gain of 127,007 residents from international immigration, resulting in a net migration of 98,289 to the state. However, the state experienced a decrease of 100,000 people due to the migration of native Pennsylvanians.
2020: Public Religion Research Institute Estimates Religious Identification
The Public Religion Research Institute estimated that 68% of Pennsylvania's population identified with Christianity in 2020.
2020: 2020 U.S. Census
The 2020 U.S. Census recorded Pennsylvania's population at 13,011,844, an increase from the 12,702,379 residents counted in the 2010 census, making it the fifth-most populated state in the U.S.
2020: Joe Biden's Victory in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania returned to the Democratic column in the 2020 presidential election, with Joe Biden defeating Donald Trump, demonstrating the state's status as a true swing state.
2020: Population Statistics for Pennsylvania Counties
According to the 2020 census, Philadelphia County, encompassing the city of Philadelphia, remained the most populous in Pennsylvania and the 24th most populous nationwide, with 1,603,797 residents. Conversely, Cameron County registered as the least populous, with 4,547 residents.
2020: Place of Birth for Pennsylvania Residents
According to data from 2020, a significant majority of Pennsylvania residents (74.5%) were born within the state. Of the remaining residents, 18.4% were born in another U.S. state, 1.5% were born in a U.S. territory or abroad to American parents, and 5.6% were born outside of the United States.
2020: Pennsylvania Ranked 19th Hardest State for Voting
A 2020 study ranked Pennsylvania as the 19th hardest state for citizens to vote in.
2021: Foreign-Born Population
By 2021, 7.2% of Pennsylvania's population was foreign-born.
2021: Pennsylvania's Per Capita Income Ranked 21st
Pennsylvania's per capita income in 2021 was $68,957, ranking 21st among the 50 states.
2022: Number of Casinos Operating in Pennsylvania
As of 2022, there were 16 casinos operating within the state of Pennsylvania.
2022: Election of Senator John Fetterman
In 2022, John Fetterman, a Democrat, was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding retiring Republican Pat Toomey.
2022: Homelessness in Pennsylvania
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report estimated that there were approximately 12,691 homeless individuals in Pennsylvania.
April 2023: Religious Affiliation Poll Results Released
A Franklin & Marshall College poll released in April 2023 revealed that a plurality of Pennsylvania residents identified as religiously unaffiliated. The remaining population primarily consisted of Protestants and Catholics.
April 2023: Religious Self-Identification Survey Conducted
In April 2023, Franklin & Marshall College conducted a poll to gather data on religious self-identification in Pennsylvania.
2023: Number of U.S. House Seats in Pennsylvania
As of 2023, Pennsylvania has 17 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
2023: Political Party Control of Pennsylvania Legislature
As of 2023, Pennsylvania stands as one of two states with divided party control of its state legislature. Republicans hold the majority in the State Senate (28-22), while Democrats control the State House (102-101).
2023: Pennsylvania's Gross State Product Ranks Sixth
In 2023, Pennsylvania boasts the sixth-largest gross state product (GSP) among U.S. states, reaching $974,558 billion. Its economy would rank as the 20th-largest globally if it were an independent country.
January 2024: Pennsylvania's Unemployment Rate Reported
As of January 2024, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate stands at 3.4%.
2024: Potential Re-election Bid of Senator Bob Casey Jr.
If Senator Bob Casey Jr. decides to run for re-election, he would be up for another term in 2024.