PENNSYLVANIA - Pennsylvania, the Keystone State, is rich in American history, but even its very name carries a fascinating story of royal debts, a founder's vision, and a touch of humble reluctance. Unlike many states named after geographical features or Native American words, "Pennsylvania" is a unique blend honoring both its founder's family and the land itself. This article delves into how the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania received its distinctive name.
A Royal Debt and a Land Grant
The story begins with William Penn, an English Quaker and advocate for religious freedom. Penn's father, Admiral Sir William Penn, had served the English Crown and was owed a significant debt by King Charles II. As repayment for this debt, King Charles II granted the younger William Penn a vast tract of land in North America through a royal charter issued on March 4, 1681 (Source: Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Colonial Records). This land would become the new colony.
"Sylvania" - A Land of Forests:
When considering a name for his new territory, William Penn initially envisioned something that reflected its natural landscape. He proposed "Sylvania," a Latin term meaning "woods" or "forestland," a fitting description for the heavily forested region he had been granted (Source: Biographies of William Penn, historical letters). Penn was drawn to the idea of a peaceful, wooded haven.
A Royal Honor: Adding "Penn":
However, King Charles II had other ideas. He wished to honor William Penn's late father, Admiral Sir William Penn, for his loyal service to the Crown. Therefore, at the behest of the King, the prefix "Penn" was added to Penn's preferred "Sylvania," creating the name "Pennsylvania" (Source: Pennsylvania State Archives).
The Meaning: "Penn's Woods":
Thus, the name Pennsylvania literally translates to "Penn's Woods" or "Penn's Forestland." It beautifully combines the founder's family name with a description of the territory's abundant natural resource.
A Founder's Humility:
Interestingly, William Penn himself was reportedly uneasy with the name. A devout Quaker who valued humility, Penn feared that having the colony named so directly after his family would appear vain or self-aggrandizing. He even attempted to have the "Penn" removed or offered to pay to change it, but King Charles II was insistent on honoring the Admiral (Source: Letters and writings of William Penn). Despite his initial reservations, the name stuck and has become an indelible part of American identity.
The name "Pennsylvania" is a unique historical marker, born from a combination of a founder's vision for a wooded sanctuary ("Sylvania") and a king's desire to honor a loyal servant (Admiral Sir William Penn). The resulting "Penn's Woods" not only accurately described the region's landscape at the time but also forever linked the state to its founding family, despite William Penn's own humble objections. Today, the name stands as a testament to this fascinating piece of colonial history.
Sources:
- Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
- Pennsylvania State Archives
- Biographies and writings of William Penn
- Colonial Records of Pennsylvania
- Histories of the founding of Pennsylvania
