Historic Pennsylvania. The state at the center of events that forged a new nation. Its largest city, Philadelphia, was America's capital for ten years (1790-1800) following the American Revolution. It was here that many of the cherished principles of democracy were established. The Declaration of Independence was signed and U.S. Constitution written in Pennsylvania.

A drive through the state is a tour of America's earliest colonial beginnings. It contains many of the historic areas that led to America's independence. Allowing one to relive those epic battles of the American Revolution at Philadelphia, Saratoga, and Valley Forge.

PA, Land of Antiquity, where the Old Blends into the Countryside.

Of all these battles, it is Valley Forge that typifies the hardships in this struggle for independence. The site of George Washington's encampment in bitter cold temperatures before pursuing the British as they left Philadelphia in 1778.

While Gettysburg stands out as a Civil War battle that drained the spirit and reserves of the South. Wearing down a poorly supplied Confederate Army. Gettysburg together with Vicksburg (which fell the next day) were decisive Northern victories that brought a quick end to the Civil War.

PA, Valley Forge depiction.

The development of American democratic ideals can be traced back to the first Europeans who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1682. A group of Quakers from England who came to America in search of religious freedom. Quakers whose ideas on such principles as separation of church and state and trial by jury of your peers are found incorporated in the U.S. Constitution. Pennsylvania was named in honor of their leader William Penn.

The influence of these well educated and creative Quakers quickly made Pennsylvania the center of culture and learning during colonial times. Its inventors built the first steamboat and first steam locomotive. Its educators developed the first university, library, museum, and zoo. Philadelphia shared center stage with Boston in promoting culture and education throughout an emerging America. Congress seriously considered retaining Philadelphia as the nation's capital before finally selecting Washington, D.C. A move which was prompted in order to eliminate any one state's influence over the federal government. An issue that has recently resurfaced with D.C. statehood, but an issue which is likely to remain as our founding fathers wisely intended.

With the eventual exhaustion of its coal reserves, Pennsylvania is now actively engaged in developing alternative fuel sources such as nuclear energy. The incident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant in 1979 was a major setback. A nuclear reactor on the verge of a meltdown that sparked a public outcry that has not yet abated. Since then, intense scrutiny by the public has contributed to stringent regulations on the use of nuclear power. With the Middle East containing half the world's supply of oil and Russia containing half the world's supply of natural gas, nuclear power remains America's only road to energy independence. The United States presently leads the world in nuclear power with France and Japan in second and third respectively.

PA, Seven Springs Ski Resort

As winter approaches, the mountains of eastern Pennsylvania come alive with snow skiers. The Pocono Mountains are at the focal point of Pennsylvania's winter sports activities. Joining a handful of renowned ski resorts in Vermont and New Hampshire. There is no shortage of skiing opportunities in Pennsylvania with 11 ski resorts in the state. The largest being Seven Springs, Camelback (28 trails, 800-233-8100), and Shawnee (23 trails, 800-233-4218).

PA, Amish farmer of Lancaster passing his rolling fields of hay

Traveling south through the Poconos lies Pennsylvania's vast farm belt. Where Amish and Mennonite farmers of Lancaster tend to rolling fields of hay, buckwheat, and corn. Producing 70% of the state's farm revenue. Lancaster is a town of bearded men in large brimmed hats who can be seen driving along on the streets in their horse-drawn buggies. A reflection of the orthodox Amish religion which restricts use of automobiles.