Pennsylvania State
Information
Pennsylvania State Symbols, Facts & Info
The United States of America accepted Pennsylvania as the 2nd state to enter the union. Below, you will find the official state symbols and interesting facts about Pennsylvania.
State Name:
Pennsylvania
Abbreviation:
PA
Capital:
Harrisburg
Date of Statehood:
December 12, 1787
Population:
12,429,616 (US Census 2005 estimate)
Primary Agriculture:
Pennsylvania has over nine million agricultural acres that produce a wide variety of crops. Its farms are the backbone of the state's economy. Leading products are milk, poultry, and eggs, a variety of fruits, sweet corn, potatoes, mushrooms, cheese, beans, hay, maple syrup, and even Christmas trees.
Primary Industry:
Pennsylvania's industry has diversified, though the state still leads the country in the production of specialty steel. Pennsylvania is a leader in the production of chemicals, food, and electrical machinery and produces 10% of the nation's cement. Also important are brick and tiles, glass, limestone, and slate.
Nickname:
The Keystone State
Motto:
Virtue, liberty and independence.
Flower:
Mountain Laurel (Legislation of 1933)
Tree:
Hemlock (Legislation of 1931)
Bird:
Ruffed Grouse (Legislation of 1931)
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Fish:
Brook Trout (Legislation of 1970)
Insect:
Firefly (Legislation of 1931)
Gemstone:
None (Legislation Pending)
Official State Seal:
Enlarge Seal
Official State Flag:
Enlarge Flag
State Commemorative Quarter:
From the 1999-2008 United States Mint 50 State Quarters® Program
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State Postage Stamp:
From the 2002 United States Postal Service Greetings from America series.
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