Philadelphia, PA - Before Pennsylvania Became the Keystone State: A Journey Through Colonial Names: The land we now know as Pennsylvania has a rich history with various names before it officially became a state in 1787.
Before Pennsylvania Became the Keystone State
Long before European settlers arrived, the land was inhabited by diverse Native American tribes, each with their own names for the region. These names often reflected the land's natural features or the specific tribes who lived there. Unfortunately, many of these original names have been lost to time.
New Sweden:
In 1638, Swedish settlers established a colony in the Delaware Valley, encompassing parts of present-day Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. This colony was known as New Sweden, and its capital was Fort Christina (now Wilmington, Delaware).
The Duke of York's Territory:
1664 the English seized control of New Sweden and the surrounding territories. The land was granted to the Duke of York (later King James II), who renamed it New York. However, the area that would become Pennsylvania was not officially part of New York.
Penn's Woods (Sylvania):
In 1681, King Charles II granted a vast tract of land to William Penn, a Quaker, to settle a debt owed to his father. Penn named the territory "Sylvania," meaning "woods" in Latin. King Charles II added "Penn" to the name, honoring Penn's father, Admiral Sir William Penn, creating the name "Pennsylvania" or "Penn's Woods."
The Province of Pennsylvania:
Under William Penn's leadership, Pennsylvania thrived as a proprietary colony. It became a haven for religious freedom, attracting Quakers and other persecuted groups seeking refuge. During this period, the colony was officially known as the Province of Pennsylvania.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
After the American Revolution, Pennsylvania shed its colonial status and became a state within the newly formed United States of America. In 1776, the state adopted a new constitution, declaring itself a commonwealth, a term that signifies a self-governing political community.
The Keystone State:
Pennsylvania's nickname, "The Keystone State," emerged in the 19th century. The term "keystone" refers to the central stone in an arch, which supports the entire structure. Pennsylvania was considered the "keystone" of the original thirteen colonies due to its central location and economic significance.
Today, Pennsylvania proudly bears the name given to it by William Penn over three centuries ago. Its rich history and diverse cultural heritage testify to the many names and identities that have shaped this vibrant and influential state.
