Pennsylvania Travel Guide

Since Pennsylvania started out as William Penn's 'Holy Experiment', the state has had a proud history of support for democratic values. The 'city of brotherly love', Philadelphia was the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Pennsylvania was the first capitol of the United States. The state gained the nickname 'the Keystone State' due to its key position amongst America's first 13 states. Gettysburg was the site of one of the most decisive (and bloodiest) battles of the Civil War.

Pennsylvania has a total area of 45,308 miles² (72,916km²) and is bordered by the states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio. The state, with a population of approximately 12,100,000, has its capital in Harrisburg, while its major cities are historic Philadelphia and the steel city, Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania is also famous as the home of the Pennsylvania Dutch, such as the Amish and Mennonite sects, whose lifestyles have changed little since they settled in the fertile rural areas in the 18th century.

For the visitor, Pennsylvania's landscape is one of hills, plateaus, ridges, valleys, rivers and lakes, which makes for glorious natural attractions, such as the vast Allegheny National Forest and the Pocono Mountains.

In western Pennsylvania about an hour's drive from Pittsburg in the Laurel Highlands are located two of Frank Lloyd Wright's houses, Fallingwater (his masterpiece) and Kentuck Knob (a stunning mid-1950's Usonian home). These two homes are only 7 miles apart. Allow a day to view these buildings but make reservations beforehand as the tours book up quickly.