Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Us State

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Pennsylvania is a state in the northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States. It is one of the original 13 colonies and became the second U.S. state in 1787.

What it is

Pennsylvania is a U.S. state with Harrisburg as its capital and Philadelphia as its largest city. It is commonly called the Keystone State, a nickname reflecting its central location and historical importance among the original colonies.

Key details

Pennsylvania borders New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, and Lake Erie. It has 67 counties and was admitted to the Union on December 12, 1787. The state name means “Penn’s woods,” chosen by William Penn to honour his father.

Why it matters

Pennsylvania played a key role in the American Revolution and early U.S. history. For Canadian readers, it is relevant through cross-border trade and travel, given its proximity to Ontario and Quebec via the northeastern U.S. region.

In short

  • Second U.S. state, admitted December 12, 1787
  • Capital: Harrisburg; largest city: Philadelphia
  • Nicknamed the Keystone State
  • Borders six states and Lake Erie
Canadian angle

Pennsylvania is relevant to Canadian readers through cross-border trade, travel, and its proximity to Ontario and Quebec via the northeastern U.S. region, though it does not border Canada directly.

Quick questions

What is the capital of Pennsylvania?
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania.
What is the largest city in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city.
Why is Pennsylvania called the Keystone State?
The nickname refers to the state’s central location and historical importance among the original colonies.

Sources

  1. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/pennsylvania
    Supports: Name origin and borders
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Pennsylvania-state
    Supports: State status, geography, capital, nickname
  3. The Fact File — https://thefactfile.org/pennsylvania-facts/
    Supports: Statehood date, capital, counties
  4. Enchanted Learning — https://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/pennsylvania/
    Supports: Capital, largest city, abbreviation, nickname, counties
  5. U.S. Census Bureau — https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCENSUS/bulletins/37fa11a
    Supports: Largest city and state anniversary
  6. FactRetriever — https://www.factretriever.com/pennsylvania-facts
    Supports: Name meaning, nickname, historical notes