Pennsylvania has a rich history dating back over 200 years. Key events include William Penn receiving a charter for the land, its role in the Revolutionary War and hosting the Constitutional Convention. Pittsburgh grew as a center for the steel industry in the late 19th century, though faced environmental challenges. While steel declined, the city has rebounded through healthcare, education and being recognized twice as the most livable city. Famous Pittsburgh eats include Primanti Bros. and Denny's Beer Barrel Pub's massive burgers.

1. PENNSYLVANIA AND PITTSBURGH
As Pennsylvanians and Pittsburghers, we can boast a very rich history within that of our
country’s. More than 200 years later, our state continues to be a key player on a national scale.

2. The state capital is Harrisburg, which was
selected for its centrality, and the state is
divided into numerous counties.

3. William Penn, the founder of PA, was granted a charter
from the king to pay off a government debt to his
father.

4. The flashpoint for the French and
Indian War was the Ohio country, where
both France and Great Britain
considered the area vital to their
national security in North America.

5. During the Revolutionary period, PA in general,
and Philadelphia in particular, played a key role
because of the state’s centralized location within
the 13 colonies.

8. Following the failed govt. under the
Articles of Confederation, the U.S.
Constitution was written and ratified by
delegates from 12 out of the 13 colonies at
the Constitutional Convention in
Philadelphia in Sept. 1787.

9. Following the purchase of the Louisiana Territory
from France, President Thomas Jefferson contracted
Lewis & Clark to explore and map this great expanse.
Their historical journey began in Pgh.

10. James Buchanan has been the only president from PA
thus far.
He has been criticized by many historians for his
lackluster performance in the years preceding the
Civil War.

13. Historically, immigrants arriving from
central and eastern Europe settled in
Pittsburgh to work in the coal mines
and the steel mills.

15. Immigrant families also ran successful businesses throughout the state, including butcher shops.

16. The Amish are a unique immigrant
subculture located in south central
(Lancaster) PA.

17. In the late 19th century, a Scottish immigrant,
Andrew Carnegie, created a steel empire, which
put Pgh “on the map,” and ushered in the
nickname “the arsenal of democracy” during
WWI and WWII.

18. While the steel industry enriched Pgh and became a source of civic pride, the downside was a
dangerously dirty environment, which earned Pgh the nickname, “the dirtiest city in America.” It was
so bad that day turned into night from smog and soot, and the rivers burned.

19. Since the demise of the steel industry in the ’70’s and ’80’s, which
caused tremendous economic hardships and a dramatic population
decline, Pgh has rebounded to be recognized as the country’s most
livable city in both 1985 and again in 2006.

20. And Pgh has largely shed its steel town
image for one focusing on health care
and education.
The city boasts the first “green”
convention building in the country, and a
national aviary considered one of the
finest.

21. Some of the more famous
eateries in Pittsburgh
include nationally known
Primanti Bros. and the
Original Hot Dog Shop.

23. Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub in Clearfield is famous for its
oversized burgers and standing challenge. The eatery
began with 2 & 3 pound burgers, followed by a 6 pound
burger.
Any two people who can eat it within a
three hour sitting get it for free. For Their latest trademark is the 15 pound burger, which
everyone else, it costs $30. features a 10 pound patty fitted on a 17 inch bun. The
balance of the weight comes from 25 slices of cheese, a
head of lettuce, 3 tomatoes, and 2 onions.

24. Would you take the challenge?
Could you beat Mr. Sciullo’s time?
I’ll take two: One to eat as a sit down meal and one to take
home for a snack.