The history of Pennsylvania is traceable to the first modern indigenous peoples that occupied the area of present-day Pennsylvania. These included the Lenape, Susquehannocks, Iroquois, Erie, Shawnee, …

4 days ago · Pennsylvania played a key role in the country’s founding. The first (1774) and second (1775–76) Continental Congresses met in Philadelphia; the Declaration of Independence was signed …

Nov 9, 2009 · The first English charter to colonize land in the New World that is today known as Pennsylvania was set forth by King Charles II as a way to repay William Penn, a member of upper …

The State Library holds an extensive collection of materials for researching Pennsylvania history – whether it is for a local area, county or a notable Pennsylvanian.

Timeline of important dates and major events in the history of Pennsylvania. Illustrated list of events and people from our today in history archives.

Jan 19, 2026 · Pennsylvania’s journey from Quaker colony to industrial powerhouse to post-industrial commonwealth illustrates American history’s complexity. The state has been laboratory for …

The PA Historical Association advances knowledge about the history and culture of Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region.

A historical overview with links to more detailed discussions of specific periods in the history of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Dec 7, 2024 · Pennsylvania’s history is marked by its early role as a center for political thought and action, its industrial growth during the 19th century, and its adaptation to economic changes in the …

Pennsylvania was founded in 1681 through a royal land grant to William Penn, the son of the commonwealth's namesake. Before that, between 1638 and 1655, a southeast portion of the state …