Chester, 1681-1683. Philadelphia, 1683-1799. Lancaster, 1799-1812. Harrisburg, since 1812.
December 12, 1787, 2nd State.
Pennsylvania Geography, 46,058 square miles.
Constitution: Pennsylvania Constitution, 2nd state to enter the Union.
Manufacturing: The leading manufactured products in Pennsylvania are chemicals. With leading manufacturers of prescription drugs and aspirin located in the state, pharmaceuticals are the most important. Other chemical products are paint, petrochemicals and synthetic resins. Pennsylvania is a leading processed foods state. In the state, the production of processed foods ranks second in the manufacturing industry where the most important products are beer, bread and cakes, chocolate and cocoa products, cookies and crackers and sausages and prepared meats. Pennsylvania is the leading state in the production of canned mushrooms and a leader in the production of ice-cream, potato chips and pretzels. Manufacture of computer and electronic equipment (semiconductors and other electronic components, scientific instruments, communications equipment)is the state's third most valuable manufacturing activity.
Mining: Pennsylvania is a leading coal-producing state and is the only state mining anthracite coal. Limestone, used for cement and roadbeds, and natural gas are other important mined products in the state. Pennsylvania also produces some sand and gravel and petroleum.
Services: Community, business and personal service industries rank as the leading services group in Pennsylvania. Important businesses in this group include hotels, professional sports franchises, private health care and engineering and law firms. Major law firms are located in Philadelphia and leading engineering firms are based in Pittsburgh. Ranking as the second most important source of service income in the state, the finance, insurance and real estate group is supported by large banks and holding companies in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The first stock exchange to be formed in the United States is based in Philadelphia; the Philadelphia Stock Exchange (PHLX) was formed in 1790. Ranking third in the services industry is the wholesale trade (automobiles, coal, groceries, industrial machinery petroleum) and retail trade (automobile dealerships, department stores, grocery stores, restaurants) group.
Highest Point: Mount Davis, 3,213 feet above sea level.
Lowest Point: Delaware River, sea level.
Natural Resources: Pennsylvania's wide variety of rich soils, great mineral wealth, good water supplies and plentiful timber round out its array of natural resources. Pennsylvania is the only state in the country that mines anthracite coal. It boasts huge deposits of bituminous coal and its share dolomite, limestone, sandstone and shale. Deposits of petroleum and natural gas are found in western parts of the state.
Pennsylvania House: Pennsylvania State Representatives.