History+of+PA

Pennsylvania is full of history, like did you know that the two most important documents were created in this state!
====PA's name comes from the founder, William Penn's, father. It also comes from the word Sylvania meaning woods. In other words Pennsylvania means Penn's woods. The interesting thing about Penn is that he was a Quaker. Quakers are people who are generous, peaceful and believe that instead of studying and obeying the rules they should tell people or inform them of what Christian faith and experience is really about. Back to William Penn, now he was given a gigantic amount of land from the king of England, King Charles II, in 1681. So, Penn wrote the "Frame of Government," that stated religious tolerance and fair treatment for Native Americans, like the Lenni-Lenape and Susquehannoks.==== ====Our motto is Virtue, Liberty and Independence, because in 1778 the motto appeared on the coat of arms designed by Caleb Lownes. ====

The French and Native Americans became friends and fought together against the British. Mostly because they were not being treated fairly. Then war broke loose. The French and British were fighting in England, but then it was spreading to North America. Then the Native Americans helped the French, because they were afraid the British would take over their land. The war lasted from 1754 to 1763. It ended with a peace treaty. The British ended up taking most of the French's land in North America. Also the British started collecting taxes to pay for the war.



The war of Gettysburg is a different story. The war only lasted three days, from July 1-3 in 1863. Even though it was a short fight it was one of the most known, most bloody and most memorable. The battle began on accident. Two Confederate Brigades, who were in command of Genral Heth, moved to take control of Gettysburg, but without knowing that two Union Brigades already occupied the town. But before this even happened the president at the time (Abraham Lincoln) understood how serious Robert E. Lee's plan for invasion was and appointed Union Major General George Meade to lead the troops to protect any attacks on Washington D.C.. While this was happening Lee was progressing towards Gettysburg. Days later his troops were camping right outside Gettysburg. Also in Gettysburg was the Union troops. Neither of them realized this until June 30, when a Confederate brigade went to go and get supplies. Although on July 1 the troops were greater in numbers and more powerful. Thus began the Battle of Gettysburg. Lee had around 75,000 men and Meade had 97,000 men. Somehow at the end of the day the Confederate won. Forcing the Union to retreat south of Gettysburg. The next day General Lee decided to defeat the Union by attacking them on both sides. Today was one of the most significant of this war. The battle was at Devil's Den. That's where the Union won that battle, due to the height and protection. Although the climax took place on the third and final day. The morning was silent and calm. Many were waiting for a noise, but nothing happened. Until in the early afternoon when General Lee set up the biggest cannon attack in North America ever! He also commanded 12,000 men to attack the middle of the Union. Both sides (north and south) showed a lot of fearlessness just by showing up. Because this battle may (or may not) decide the fate of the country. One of the leaders, from both sides, and their sons stepped up to the line where the two troops are separated by. Then the battle began between the four. In the end both people in the Confederate were shot and the Union won this battle. Thus ended the Battle of Gettysburg with a total of nearly 51,112 people were killed, wounded, missing, or captured. The Civil War on the other hand still continued.



If you would like to vist one of these places here are the prices.

Gettysburg = FREE!!!

Philadelphia = FREE!!!