1. In 1789, the first federal district court in Pennsylvania held its first session in Philadelphia. The court became a model for all other federal courts in the United States.

2. In 1839, the first railroad tunnel in the United States was completed in Pennsylvania. The Staple Bend Tunnel, located on the Allegheny Portage Railroad, was 901 feet long and allowed trains to transport goods over the Allegheny Mountains.

3. On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was certified by the Secretary of State, granting women the right to vote. Pennsylvania was one of the first states to ratify the amendment on June 24, 1919.

4. In 1973, the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The building, designed by architect Joseph Huston, features a dome inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

5. On August 26, 2011, Hurricane Irene caused widespread flooding across Pennsylvania, particularly in the eastern part of the state. The storm resulted in several deaths and caused billions of dollars in damage.