Pennsylvania

One of the first English colonies in America, Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn in 1681. Penn was seeking religious freedom for the members of his faith, the Quakers. The colony was founded on the principle of religious tolerance for all groups, not just Penn's own, and attracted settlers of many ethnic backgrounds and spiritual beliefs. Pennsylvania became the richest and most-populous British colony, and eventually played a major role in the American Revolution. The First and Second Continental Congresses were held in Philadelphia, and in July 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted in the Pennsylvania State House.

Today, Pennsylvania's largest city of Philadelphia remains one of the most ethnically mixed cities in America, with substantial Italian, Irish, eastern European, Asian and African-American communities. One of the great urban centers along the East Coast, the city has preserved its rich heritage and has a number of sites dedicated to the culture and history of the Revolutionary times. Its fine 18th century architecture alone makes it a great destination for visitors. Philadelphia also hosts a number of world-class museums and is the home of the University of Pennsylvania, a member of the prestigious Ivy League group of colleges.

Pittsburgh, at the western end of the state, is located where the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers converge. Since Revolutionary times, Pittsburgh was a major producer of iron and steel, and came to be known as the 'City of Steel'. The glut of industry, though, gave the city a poor reputation and the less impressive nickname 'Smokey City'. But with the steel industry's decline, Pittsburgh has undergone a renaissance. In recent years, it has transformed into a more sophisticated, attractive city, with renovated downtown neighborhoods and a high-tech economy. Visitors will find a thriving city center surrounded by older, ethnic communities.

The other area popular with visitors is Lancaster County, known as Dutch Country. German (Deutsche) Amish and Mennonite communities, which retain their dedication to a simple life free of technology, settled this region in the 17th and 18th centuries. Touring this area provides visitors with a window into their unique culture, free of modern conveniences.