Nicknamed the Keystone State, Pennsylvania has a long, rich history, that has been a major force in shaping America through the centuries. It is one of the 13 original United States, and two famous locations in the state--Valley Forge and Gettysburg--were key to the Revolutionary War and Civil War, respectively. Whether it is the blunt attitude of Philadelphians, the hard-work ethic that survived the end of Pittsburgh steel, or the bucolic countrysides still influenced by their German past and Amish culture, Pennsylvania has a character all its own. The Handy Pennsylvania Answer Book takes an in-depth look at the state's fascinating history, people, myths, culture, and trivia. Covering its industries, politicians, arts, media, culture and, of course, sports dynasties and legends, it brings the state's past and present to life.
Learn about the original American Indian Nations; the Dutch, German, Swedish, French, English, Irish, and Scottish explorers, settlers and colonists; the growth and decline of the logging, coal mining, textile, and steel industries; the modern multi-lane highways; the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the nation's first radio station, Andrew Carnegie, Kevin Bacon, Tina Fey, and other notable people and places. The Handy Pennsylvania Answer Book answers to nearly 800 questions, including:
- What was the League of Five Nations? - Who were the Quakers? - Was Pennsylvania really named after William Penn? - Why did the Liberty Bell crack? - What was the Non-Intercourse Act? - What was the Johnstown Flood? - Why did the Great Steel Strike of 1919 collapse? - What's a growler? - Was there once really a Westsylvania? - Where is the Erie Canal? - Why is Philadelphia called "The City of Brotherly Love"? - What's a "Yoder"? - What's a mud sale? - What is the Appalachian Trail? - Where is the Starrucca Viaduct? - Where is the tallest "green" building in the world? - Why did farmers build round barns? - What U.S. president tackled Jim Thorpe in a college football game? - What were some of Pennsylvania's black major league teams? - What are those big, blue roadside markers that are all over Pennsylvania? - Where and when does the annual Mummers parade take place?
Illustrating the unique character of the state through a combination of facts, stats, and history, as well as the unusual and quirky, The Handy Pennsylvania Answer Book answers intriguing questions about people, places, events, government, and places of interest. This informative book also includes a helpful bibliography and an extensive index, adding to its usefulness.
