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PAPennsylvania History
Pennsylvania at a glance
Pennsylvania was admitted to the Union on 1787, making it the 3rd state. As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania was a founding member of the United States. Its capital Harrisburg has been the seat of state government for most of the state's history.
Native peoples
For thousands of years before European contact, Indigenous peoples lived across what is now Pennsylvania. Multiple distinct cultures developed in response to the region's geography — coastal peoples, plains peoples, river-valley peoples, mountain peoples — each with their own languages, governance, and trade networks. European colonization disrupted these civilizations dramatically, often through disease, displacement, and forced removal. Today, Pennsylvania's Native heritage is preserved in place names, tribal nations within state borders, and ongoing cultural practices.
Colonial era and Revolution
As one of the 13 original colonies, Pennsylvania was central to the founding of the United States. British colonization of the region began in the 17th century. By the 1770s, colonial assemblies were resisting British taxation policies, and Pennsylvania sent delegates to the Continental Congress that declared independence in 1776. Pennsylvania fought in the Revolutionary War alongside the other 12 colonies and ratified the US Constitution between 1787 and 1790, depending on the specific date.
Path to statehood
The path from European exploration to statehood typically took decades. Pennsylvania was already an established colony when the US declared independence in 1776, becoming a state with the ratification of the US Constitution by 1787.
The modern era
Today Pennsylvania has a population of over 10 million and is one of the mid-sized states in the country. The capital is Harrisburg; the largest city is Philadelphia. The economy benefits significantly from oil and natural gas production. Agriculture remains an important sector of the state economy. The political lean has shifted over time and now leans competitively (a swing state).
Key historical sites in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania preserves its history through state parks, national monuments, historic districts, and museums. Battlefields, colonial towns, mission sites, Native American heritage areas, and Civil Rights landmarks (where applicable) anchor the state's heritage tourism. Visit the state's official tourism site for a current list.
Bordering states
Pennsylvania shares borders with 6 other US states.
Learn US history through daily puzzles
Statedoku uses statehood era, Confederate or Union role, and admission years as recurring constraints. After a month of daily play, you'll know exactly when and how each state joined the Union.
Play today's puzzle →Common questions about Pennsylvania history
When did Pennsylvania become a state?
Pennsylvania became a state in 1787, making it the 3rd state admitted to the Union. It was one of the 13 original colonies.
Was Pennsylvania part of the Confederacy?
No, Pennsylvania was a Union state during the Civil War.
Was Pennsylvania part of the Louisiana Purchase?
No.
Did Spain or France colonize Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania was primarily under British colonial influence.
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