Today In History
5 Fun Facts About August 7 In Pennsylvania History
1. On August 7, 1782, a group of Native Americans attacked the village of Gnadenhutten in eastern Pennsylvania, killing nearly 100 Christianized Delaware Indians. The attack was in retaliation for the Moravian massacre of Lenape Indians in 1755, and it served to escalate tensions between Native Americans and early settlers....
5 Fun Facts About August 6 In Pennsylvania History
1. On August 6, 1926, Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Hailing from New York, Ederle trained for her feat at a lake in Wayne, Pennsylvania, where she had access to a coach and facilities. 2. The Battle of Kittanning took place on August...
5 Fun Facts About August 5 In Pennsylvania History
1. On August 5, 1774, the First Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This meeting brought together delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies to discuss grievances against the British government and to plan a response to the Coercive Acts, which were designed to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea...
5 Fun Facts About August 4 In Pennsylvania History
1. On August 4, 1817, the Erie Canal was officially opened, connecting the Hudson River to Lake Erie and improving transportation and commerce throughout the state of Pennsylvania and beyond. 2. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, the first long-distance limited-access highway in the United States, officially opened on August 4, 1940, making...
5 Fun Facts About August 3 In Pennsylvania History
1. On August 3, 1859, the first oil well was drilled in Warren, Pennsylvania. The well produced over 300 barrels of oil per day and marked the beginning of the Pennsylvania oil boom. 2. On August 3, 1921, the Pennsylvania State Police was established. The agency was created to provide...
5 Fun Facts About August 2 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1776, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia officially signed the Declaration of Independence, which declared the thirteen American colonies as independent states separate from British rule. This momentous occasion is celebrated every year on July 4th, but its official signing took place on August 2nd. 2. In 1858, the...
5 Fun Facts About August 1 In Pennsylvania History
1. On August 1, 1876, the United States celebrated its centennial in Philadelphia with the opening of the Centennial Exhibition. The international exposition showcased technology, industry, and culture from around the world and attracted over 10 million visitors. 2. The world's first automobile race took place in Pittsburgh on August...
5 Fun Facts About July 31 In Pennsylvania History
1. On July 31, 1794, the Whiskey Rebellion came to a head when a group of rebels attacked the home of tax collector General John Neville in Allegheny County. This event ultimately led to the federal government sending troops to suppress the rebellion. 2. The Pennsylvania state motto "Virtue, Liberty,...
5 Fun Facts About July 30 In Pennsylvania History
1. The Battle of Gettysburg came to an end on July 30, 1863, during the American Civil War. The three-day battle resulted in a Union victory and is considered one of the most significant events of the war. 2. The first roller coaster in the United States, called the Switchback...
5 Fun Facts About July 29 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1921, the log cabin that served as Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War was moved from Valley Forge to Norristown. 2. On July 29, 1861, the 5th Pennsylvania Reserves went into battle during the First Battle of Bull Run. 3. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the...
5 Fun Facts About July 28 In Pennsylvania History
1. In 1868, Philadelphia hosted the first meeting of the National Republican Convention, which nominated Ulysses S. Grant for President of the United States. The convention was held at the Academy of Music and lasted for six days. 2. On July 28, 1951, the largest battle of the Korean War...
5 Fun Facts About July 27 In Pennsylvania History
1. On July 27, 1861, the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment was mustered into service for the Union Army during the Civil War. The regiment served in several major battles including Antietam and Gettysburg. 2. In 1921, the Wolf Administration Building in Harrisburg was dedicated on July 27. The building is...