Today In History
5 Fun Facts About November 7 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1781, the Pennsylvania legislature passed the Gradual Abolition Act, which provided for the gradual emancipation of slaves in the state. The law banned the importation of slaves into the state and required slave owners to register their slaves with the government. Slaves born after the law went into...
5 Fun Facts About November 6 In Pennsylvania History
1. On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected president of the United States. The citizens of Pennsylvania played a significant role in his victory, as the state was a hotbed of Republican activity and provided Lincoln with a crucial margin of victory. Many Pennsylvanians also fought and died in...
5 Fun Facts About November 5 In Pennsylvania History
1. The Gunpowder Plot: Although it is primarily associated with England, November 5th marks the anniversary of a foiled plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. The conspirators, led by Guy Fawkes, hoped to end religious persecution of Catholics in the country. In Pennsylvania, this event is...
5 Fun Facts About November 4 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1753, George Washington made his first visit to Pennsylvania: On November 4, 1753, a young George Washington (then only 21 years old) made his first visit to Pennsylvania with his friend Christopher Gist. The duo traveled to the Ohio Country and met with a number of Native American...
5 Fun Facts About November 3 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed in Paris, officially ending the American Revolutionary War. This treaty recognized the independence of the United States and established its boundaries, which included Pennsylvania. 2. In 1839, the first successful and sustained railway in the United States began operations in Pennsylvania....
5 Fun Facts About November 2 In Pennsylvania History
1. On November 2, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed in Philadelphia, officially ending the American Revolutionary War. Representatives from the United States, Great Britain, France, and Spain gathered at the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, to sign the treaty. 2. The first American automobile race...
5 Fun Facts About November 1 In Pennsylvania History
1. Pennsylvania's First Capitol Building Opened on November 1, 1822 On November 1, 1822, Pennsylvania opened its first state capitol building, located in Harrisburg. The building served as the home of the state government until the completion of the current capitol building in 1906. 2. The University of Pennsylvania's First...
5 Fun Facts About October 31 In Pennsylvania History
1. Pennsylvania was one of the first states to officially recognize Halloween as a holiday. In 1921, Pennsylvania Governor William Sproul signed a bill into law making October 31st a state holiday. 2. The eastern Pennsylvania town of Easton is home to one of the oldest and largest Halloween parades...
5 Fun Facts About October 30 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1735, John Adams, the second President of the United States, was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. Although not a Pennsylvania native, Adams visited the state several times during his career and played a major role in the founding of the United States. 2. In 1775, one of the earliest...
5 Fun Facts About October 29 In Pennsylvania History
1. On October 29, 1682, William Penn received a royal charter to establish Pennsylvania as a colony. He named the city of Philadelphia, which would become the capital of the colony. 2. On October 29, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, British troops under General William Howe attacked Fort Mercer,...
5 Fun Facts About October 28 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1893, the first World Series was played at Pittsburgh's Exposition Park. The Boston Red Sox won the series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. 2. In 1957, the Mackinac Bridge was opened, connecting Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. The steel for the bridge was made in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 3. In...
5 Fun Facts About October 27 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1682, William Penn arrived at what is now Chester, Pennsylvania, marking the beginning of the founding of the state. Penn's arrival was significant because he brought with him a vision for a just and tolerant society, as well as the principles of Quakerism. 2. On October 27, 1904,...