10 Quirky Facts About Pennsylvania That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate
Living in Pennsylvania means life is pretty interesting. Our beloved state, after all, has a rich history, a vibrant present, and a promising future. How much do you know about Pennsylvania? Probably a ton if you’ve lived here any amount of time. How many of these quirky facts about Pennsylvania did you already know?
Who woulda thunk it, right? It’s true, though. During the 1943 season, many of the Eagles and Steelers players served in World War II. The remaining players combined for a single season to play together as the Steagles.
Bottoms up! We might have an official drink – which goes well with such Pennsylvania classics as whoopie pies and Hershey’s chocolates – but there’s no official food in Pennsylvania.
All eyes turn to Punxsutawney Phil every Groundhog Day to find out whether we’ll have an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Did you know our adorable Phil started quite the trend? Several other places now have weather-predicting groundhogs, including Charles G. Hogg in New York.
It should come as little surprise that Hershey is the Chocolate Capital of the United States. The charming town is the perfect place to get our chocolate fix and have a ton of fun. From Hersheypark to ZooAmerica, Hershey’s the perfect family-friendly destination.
Pennsylvania is home to Snyder’s of Hanover, Utz, and Peeps, to name just a few, so it’s not surprising we also live in the Snack Capital of the World.
Those of us with a sweet tooth will likely agree that Pennsylvania’s a sweets paradise. Bassetts Ice Cream, America’s oldest ice cream company, has been satisfying sweets cravings since 1861. The Bassett family started the famous ice cream company that year in New Jersey but frequently sold the sweet treat in Philadelphia, where it opened a shop in 1885.
That was James Buchanan. He was born in 1791 near Mercersburg.
Benjamin Franklin founded America’s first zoo, and it officially opened on July 1, 1874. Today, visitors can view some of the more than 1,700 animals who live at the 42-acre zoo.
We went a couple of facts without mentioning food, so that’s not so bad, right? After all, how could we ignore the fact that the most delicious of ice cream treats – the banana split – was born in the very same town as Mister Rogers?
Stan Musial and Ken Griffey Jr.! Pretty awesome, huh?
Did you know these quirky facts about Pennsylvania? Know any more? Let us know in the comments! Then check out 12 habits you might have if you call Pennsylvania home (they’re oddly endearing!).
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