History of Pennsylvania, USA

1643 - Tinicum Island is site of first European settlement in Pennsylvania
In 1643, Tinicum Island witnessed the establishment of the first European settlement in what would later become the state of Pennsylvania. This significant event marked the early colonization efforts of European powers in North America, particularly by the Dutch. Tinicum Island, situated in the Delaware River near present-day Philadelphia, served as a strategic location for trade and interaction with indigenous peoples of the region. The settlement was part of the broader Dutch colonial ambitions in the New World, aiming to capitalize on the lucrative fur trade and establish a foothold in the burgeoning transatlantic commerce.

The settlement at Tinicum Island was not only a hub for economic activities but also a nucleus for cultural exchange and geopolitical maneuvering between European colonizers and Native American tribes such as the Lenape. It set the stage for subsequent European migrations and expansions into the Delaware Valley, shaping the early history of Pennsylvania and... Read MORE...

1718 - Pennsylvania - women are able to own and manage property – if their husbands are incapacitated.

https://www.theguardian.com/money/us-money-blog/2014/aug/11/women-rights-money-timeline-history

1737 - September 20 - Runner Edward Marshall completes his journey in the Walking Purchase forcing the cession of 1.2 million acres of Lenape-Delaware tribal land to the Pennsylvania Colony
In 1737, the Walking Purchase marked a controversial event in colonial American history, centered around a disputed land agreement between the Pennsylvania Colony and the Lenape-Delaware Native American tribe. The infamous episode was orchestrated by Pennsylvania officials who sought to expand their territory at the expense of indigenous lands. Under the terms of an old treaty, it was agreed that land "as far as a man could walk in a day and a half" would belong to the colonists. Taking advantage of this vague stipulation, the Penn family, proprietors of Pennsylvania, hired champion runner Edward Marshall to walk the boundary lines.

On September 20, 1737, Marshall embarked on his journey, covering an astonishing distance of about 70 miles in less than a day and a half. This feat exceeded all expectations and far surpassed what the Lenape-Delaware had anticipated. As a result, the colonial authorities claimed an additional 1.2 million acres of land—vastly more than the... Read MORE...

1738 - May 25 - A treaty between Pennsylvania and Maryland ends the Conojocular War with settlement of a boundary dispute and exchange of prisoners.
In 1738, the Treaty of 1738, also known as the Treaty of Eternal Friendship, was signed on May 25th between the colonies of Pennsylvania and Maryland, marking the end of the Conojocular War. This conflict had arisen primarily over a boundary dispute concerning the territory between the Susquehanna River and the Potomac River. The treaty was significant as it not only settled these territorial disputes but also facilitated the exchange of prisoners held by both sides, thereby easing tensions that had simmered between the two colonies.

onthisday.com
May 25, 1738

1754 - French and Indian War began; George Washington claimed first victory at Laurel Mountain; Lenape Indians attacked Gnadenhutten Mission, killed 11 white people
In 1754, George Washington, a young and ambitious officer in the British colonial forces, achieved a significant milestone in his military career with his claimed victory at Laurel Mountain. This event occurred during the early stages of the French and Indian War, a conflict that pitted British and colonial forces against the French and their Native American allies in North America. Washington's victory at Laurel Mountain marked a crucial moment in his leadership development, showcasing his strategic acumen and determination in the face of challenging terrain and formidable adversaries.

The battle itself was part of Washington's efforts to secure the Ohio River Valley region, which was hotly contested due to its strategic importance and valuable fur trade. Despite facing logistical challenges and an outnumbered force, Washington's leadership and determination enabled him to secure a tactical victory. This early success at Laurel Mountain not only bolstered Washington's reputation... Read MORE...


Read more about George WASHINGTON

1767 - Boundary between Maryland, Pennsylvania established, named Mason-Dixon line
The Mason-Dixon Line, established in 1767, marked a significant moment in American colonial history, defining the boundary between the provinces of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Commissioned by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, English surveyors tasked with settling a long-standing border dispute, the line became synonymous with the division between the Northern and Southern states during the American Civil War era. Originally intended to resolve property disputes between the Calvert family of Maryland and the Penn family of Pennsylvania, the line was surveyed over several years and extended westward to settle disputes further into the frontier.
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December 1777 - June 1778 - The winter at Valley Forge
This Pennsylvania encampment was occupied by the American army from December 1777 to June 1778. The winter was particularly harsh, and the army was short on food, clothing, and supplies. But they hung on. The leadership of Commander-in-Chief George Washington and Baron von Steuben, the Prussian drill sergeant, kept the soldiers occupied and made them better, tougher soldiers in the end. In June 19, 1778, the army set out for New Jersey, where they fought the British to a stand-still just nine days later, at the Battle of Monmouth. Among the soldiers who were encamped with Washington at Valley Forge were Generals Nathanael Greene and Benedict Arnold; Alexander Hamilton, Washington's personal aide; the Marquis de Lafayette; and a man named John Marshall, who would go on to become the first famous Chief Justice of the United States.
www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/valleyforgedef.htm

1780 - Pennsylvania first state to abolish slavery

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1781 - January 1 - Mutiny of unpaid Pennsylvania soldiers
On January 1, 1781, a significant event unfolded in the nascent United States during the Revolutionary War: the Mutiny of unpaid Pennsylvania soldiers. These soldiers, who had fought for the American cause against the British, found themselves increasingly disillusioned and desperate due to months of unpaid wages and poor living conditions. The mutiny, which occurred at Morristown, Pennsylvania, marked a critical moment highlighting the financial and logistical challenges faced by the Continental Army under the Articles of Confederation.

Led by Sergeant William Findley and other non-commissioned officers, the mutineers peacefully seized control of the military post, demanding immediate redress of their grievances from the Pennsylvania Supreme Executive Council. Despite the tense situation, the mutiny remained nonviolent and eventually led to negotiations where the Council promised to address the soldiers' concerns, including their overdue wages and issues with... Read MORE...

1794 - Whiskey Rebellion occurred - protest against taxes on distilled spirits
The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 was a significant uprising in the early history of the United States, primarily centered in western Pennsylvania. It emerged as a protest against the newly established federal excise tax on distilled spirits, which was part of Alexander Hamilton's financial program to alleviate the national debt following the Revolutionary War. Farmers and distillers in the region, who relied heavily on whiskey production as a source of income, felt unfairly burdened by the tax, viewing it as an imposition on their livelihoods and an extension of distant federal authority.

The rebellion escalated when tensions between the local population and federal officials intensified. Efforts to enforce the tax met with resistance, leading to acts of defiance and occasional violence. President George Washington responded decisively by mobilizing a federalized militia, demonstrating the young nation's commitment to upholding federal law and authority. This marked a crucial moment... Read MORE...

January 16, 1831 - A great snowstorm raged from Georgia to Maine. Snowfall totals greater than 30 inches were reported from Pennsylvania across southern New England.

WeatherForYou.com

1863 - July 1–3 – American Civil War: Battle of Gettysburg – Union forces under George G. Meade turn back a Confederate invasion by Robert E. Lee in the largest battle of the war (28,000 Confederate casualties, 23,000 Union).
In July 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg marked a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. Confederate General Robert E. Lee led his Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania, hoping to shift the war's momentum away from Southern territory. Union forces, under the command of General George G. Meade, intercepted Lee near the small town of Gettysburg. What ensued over three days was a fierce and bloody conflict, ultimately becoming the largest battle of the war.

The battle began on July 1st with intense fighting as Confederate forces pushed Union troops back through the town and onto high ground south of Gettysburg. The second day saw heavy fighting on both flanks, particularly at places like Little Round Top and the Peach Orchard, where Union soldiers fought desperately to hold their positions against Confederate assaults. On July 3rd, Lee ordered a massive frontal assault known as Pickett's Charge against the center of the Union lines on Cemetery Ridge, resulting in devastating... Read MORE...

1863 - November 19 – American Civil War: U. S. President Abraham Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address at the military cemetery dedication ceremony in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered a short speech at the end of the ceremonies dedicating the battlefield cemetery at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. That speech has come to be known as the Gettysburg Address. In it, Lincoln paid tribute to the Union soldiers who sacrificed their lives for union and equality. Lincoln had no idea at the time how famous his short speech would become.


Full text of the Gettysburg Address:

Gettysburg Address

Delivered at Gettysburg, Pa.

Nov. 19th 1863.

“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that... Read MORE...

1865 - DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT MEADVILLE - Loss from $75,000 to $100,000
A destructive fire occurred at Meadville on Thursday night, resulting in the destruction of property to the amount of between $75,000 and $100,000. The fire broke out in the extensive woolen factory Messrs H. S. & F. W. Huidekoper, and not withstanding the prompt arrival of the fire department, the flames had gained such headway as to render all efforts to save the building fruitless. In a short time the flames communicated with the long frame tenement block on the west, and the house of the JAMES DOUGLASS on the east. By super human efforts the fire was prevented from extending beyond the DOUGLASS house, although the building was rendered almost a wreck.

The entire tenement house was soon in flames. The most the engines could do was to prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings. At the time the Republican, from which we obtain the above particulars, went to press on Thursday night, the fire was still raging, but it was thought it would not extend beyond the buildings... Read MORE...

1869 - A resident of Dauphin county, Penn., recently, within a week, lost five children by scarlet fever.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 3, 1869

1871 - There has been discovered, in Jefferson County, Pa., a mountain of iron.
It may well be named the largest iron mountain in the United States. From all accounts, it will furnish and inexhaustible supply of good ore.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
June 17, 1871

1872 - Found Gold
J. A. Sutter, the California pioneer who made the first discovery of gold, is now living in Litiz, Lancaster County, Pa., poor, and crippled with inflammatory rheumatism. He is sixty-nine years of age, and without means of support. His friends and all the country will be glad to hear that the California Legislature has just given him a pension of $250 a month for five years.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 16, 1872

1887 - February 2 – In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the first Groundhog Day is observed.
THE GROUNDHOG ON TOP
A Cloudy Sky Greets Him This Morning.
He Makes Vain Attempts to See His Shadow -
Historical Ideas Upon the Day.

This may be termed the day of the hog, not that hogs have but one day in the whole year, for modern observation seems to point to the fact that thehog owns every day. This particular day, however, belongs to the groundhog family, and that animal is brought to the memory of city folks only by the day. Away back in the times when the neighborhood about and upon which Pittsburgers now perambulate was a pimeval forest, with only a log hut to be seen in miles of gravel, the hardy backwoodsmen used to wager their most valued possessions upon the veracity of the legend that if the groundhog saw his shadow on Feb. 2, he would retire into his hole and Boreas would blow his blasts for six weeks longer.

One can readily picture those old masters of the Pennsylvania wilderness discussing the question as to whether the groundhog would have his eyesight about... Read MORE...

1887 - An Entire Passenger Train Wrecked By a Double-Header Freight Train
Meadville, Pa Dec 31, - At Eight o'clock this morning train No. 8, from the West, running fifty miles an hour, collided with a double-header freight four miles west of this city on the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio railroad. The entire passenger train is a total wreck, and forty persons are supposed to be killed.

All the physicians in the city and several hundred persons have gone to the scene by a special train

Later
Meadville, Pa., Dec 31.- 12:15 PM - A report from the wreck just received says that only four persons are killed and three wounded. No passengers are reported killed.

Still Later
Meadville, Pa., Dec 31. - ENGINEER SWANN, of the passenger train, ENGINEERS GOUGE and McFARLAND, of the double-header, and all the firemen are reported dead. All have families. It is said the number of wounded will reach one hundred.

Further Particulars - The Injured and the Killed

Meadville, Pa., Dec 31. - The following particulars of the wreck have just been received here at 2 ... Read MORE...

1889 - South Fork Dam burst, town of Johnstown (PA) destroyed, over 2000 deaths
The Johnstown Flood of 1889 remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in American history. On May 31, 1889, the South Fork Dam, located near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, catastrophically failed after days of heavy rainfall. The dam, originally built for a reservoir supplying water to a nearby industrial city, burst under the pressure of rising floodwaters, releasing an immense wall of water downstream.

As the floodwaters surged towards Johnstown, they gathered debris and destruction, wiping out entire communities in their path. The town of Johnstown, nestled in a valley below the dam, bore the brunt of the disaster. The sudden and overwhelming floodwaters, estimated to have reached 36 feet high in places, swept through the town with devastating force. Houses, buildings, and people were swept away or crushed by the debris, leading to a tragic loss of life estimated at over 2,200 people.
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1889 - FRIGHTFUL WRECKS. Two Freight Trains on the Pennsylvania Railroad Reduced to Debris. A Large Number of Train-Hands and Passengers Killed and Wounded.
PITTSBURGH, PA., June 26. - At 2:20 a.m. today west-bound freight No. 1313 telescoped the extra west-bound freight No. 308 at Monastery Coke-works, near Latrobe station on the Pennsylvania railroad. Just as this collision occurred an east-bound freight train was passing on the other track. The wreck of the west-bound trains caught the last two cars of the east-bound train wrecking them. In all twenty-five cars of merchandise were wrecked. Brakeman Miller was fatally injured. Engineer Caldwell and his fireman, name unknown, have not been found, and it is believed they are covered up in the wreck, very probably dead. The bodies of four unknown tramps who had been stealing a ride have been taken out. The other trainmen, so far as can be learned, escaped serious injury.

Latrobe, PA., June 27. - Later particulars from the scene of the terrible wreck at Loyal Hanna bridge, just west of Latrobe, are to the effect that the derry shifter had left eighteen cars standing on the bridge while... Read MORE...

1889 - ANOTHER FATAL EXPLOSION.
Pittsburg, Nov. 26. - By an explosion at the Allegheny Bessemer Steel Works at Duquesne this morning WILLIAM MARSHALL, night superintendent of the wire mill, and a man named COOPER were killed and a number of others injured.
Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
November 26, 1889

1892 - THE EXPLOSION. ONLY ONE MAN ESCAPED TO TELL THE STORY. THE TERRIBLE CALAMITY AT THE YORK COLLIERY - THE DEAD NOW NUMBER FIFTEEN PEOPLE - A SHOT FROM THE BATTERY CAUSED THE ACCIDENT - A FULL AND COMPLETE LIST OF THE VICTIMS.
Pottsville, Pa., July 25. - The list of victims of Saturday's explosion of gas at York Farm colliery has increased to fifteen dead and one momentarily expected to breathe his last. Thus not one of the men working in the vicinity of where the explosion occurred will be able to tell the tale of the disaster excepting LLEWELLYN, the man who first noticed the presence of gas and the unusual running of coal, and who, by strictly complying with colliery rule, had gone to inform the fire boss of these unusual indications, and thus was absent from the vicinity of the explosion.

His story is that he and his "butty" CHRISTIAN HORNICKER, whose body still lies in the mine, had fired a shot with a battery to breast No. 1 of the second lift and immediately there was a strong rush of gas and run of coal. This gas rushed up the stairway connecting the first and second lifts, and was ignited, it is supposed by one of the safety lamps that was either upset and broken or faulty, and the terrible... Read MORE...

1893 - A MINE HORROR. FIFTEEN PERSONS LOSE THEIR LIVES IN A MINE DISASTER AT SHAMOKIN, PA. A MINER'S LAMP CAUSES AN EXPLOSION OF THE DEADLY FIRE.
Shamokin, Pa., April 1. - A miners lamp caused an explosion in the Noilson shaft operated by Langdon & Co. this morning. Many miners were in the mine at the time, and all escaped but twelve or fifteen who will lose their lives. A number of mules were also suffocated. Owing to yesterday being a holiday there were not as many men at work as usual.

Ten of the dead have been recovered as follows:
JOHN ROBLE.
JAMES and MIKE BRENNAN.
JOHN RYAN.
FRED GINTER.
JOHN BURTT.
JOHN GARRY.
JON BURTREX.
NICK DALTON.
FRANK SHUPIS.

It is not certainly known whether any more are in the mine which is burning fiercely with momentary danger of explosions. Despite this danger a large force of men and officials are battling the flames and gas. The dead were all found in a vein in which smoke found the way from a vein two hundred feet below. A thousand men are thrown out of employment.
Racine Daily Journal
Racine, Wisconsin
April 1, 1893

1893 - City Under Eight Feet of Water.
NEW CASTLE, Pa., May 18. — The water is eight feet deep and still rising in a large part of this city. Several planning mills have been washed away, houses have been moved from their foundations, mills, factories and furnaces are flooded. The railroad bridges have been weighted with cars to keep them in place. Families were rescued from the second stories of their homes. A prisoner in the lockup was almost drowned. The contents of the cellars in the business part of the city are badly damaged.
The Marion Daily Star
Marion, Ohio
May 18, 1893

1894 - Milton Hershey founded Hershey Foods and town of Hershey
In 1894, Milton S. Hershey, a visionary entrepreneur and chocolatier, founded what would become one of the world's most iconic chocolate companies, Hershey Foods. Starting his career in caramel candy production, Hershey quickly recognized the potential in chocolate-making after attending the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, where he observed chocolate-making machinery. Returning to his hometown of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hershey set out to perfect the art of milk chocolate production, aiming to create a product that was affordable and accessible to the masses.

Hershey's breakthrough came with the development of a specific process to produce milk chocolate, using fresh milk sourced from nearby dairy farms. This innovation allowed him to create a smoother, creamier chocolate that appealed to a broader audience. In 1900, he sold the caramel business for $1 million to focus exclusively on chocolate. With a keen eye for community development, Hershey envisioned more than... Read MORE...


Read more about Milton Snavely HERSHEY

1894 - April 5 - 11 strikers killed in riot at Connellsville, Penn
The Connellsville Strike Riot of 1894 was a tragic episode during a period of intense labor unrest in the United States. It occurred against the backdrop of the Pullman Strike, which had spread nationwide, impacting railroads and industrial centers. In Connellsville, Pennsylvania, tensions escalated when striking workers clashed with law enforcement and strikebreakers. The strike itself had originated due to wage cuts and poor working conditions among coke workers, who played a crucial role in fueling the region's steel industry.

On April 5, 1894, violence erupted as strikers attempted to prevent non-union workers from entering the plants. Local authorities, supported by deputies and Pinkerton agents, responded with force, leading to a deadly confrontation. During the ensuing riot, at least 11 strikers lost their lives, marking a tragic escalation in the conflict.
historyorb.com

1895 - Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania, one of the so-called Middle States of the American Union, bounded N. by Lake Erie and New York, E. by New York and New Jersey, S. by Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia, and W. by West Virginia and Ohio. Its northern line follows the parallel of 42° N. lat., except in the N.W.; its eastern boundary is washed throughout by the Delaware River; on the S. is "Mason & Dixon's line," lat. 39° 43' N.; and its western limit is 80°36' W. lon. It is called the Keystone State, because it was the seventh or central one in order of the original thirteen states. Area, 45,215 square miles. Maximum length, E. and W., 315 miles; breadth, 158 miles...

Population.–In 1790, 434,373; in 1800, 602,365; in 1810, 810,091; in 1820, 1,047,507; in 1830, 1,348,233; in 1840, 1,724,033; in 1850, 2,311,786; in 1860, 2,906,215; in 1870, 3,521,951; in 1880, 4,282,891; in 1890, 5,258,014. Besides the original Swedish and English immigrations, the northeastern counties were very largely peopled from... Read MORE...

1895 - Deadly Knockout Drops. The Gentle Art of Drugging as Practiced in New York's "Tenderloin."
“The term knockout drops is used to designate a solution of chloral that persons of evil intent place in the liquor or good natured, half drunken men in order to render the latter sleepy and helpless, so as to rifle their pockets the easier,” said Police Captain Pickett of the Tenderloin precinct to a New York Press reporter.

“Most druggists sell the solution at a strength of 100 per cent. One drop of that strength contains about one grain of chloral, a teaspoonful contains enough to kill two men. Thugs who use 'knockout drops' generally carry a small vial that holds three or four teaspoonfuls. It has a pungent though not an unpleasant taste and smells like an overripe melon.

“Those who follow the 'lay' get acquainted first with some fellow who has displayed considerable money. They drink together, and when the attention of the victim has been distracted the vial is whipped out, uncorked and a few drops poured into the glass from which the victim is about to drink. If the couple ... Read MORE...

1896 - NINETY MINERS DEAD. THE ROOF FELL UPON THE MEN WHILE PROPPING IT UP. MANY LEAVE FAMILIES.
ABOUT FORTY OF THE MEN WERE ENGLISH SPEAKING AND THE REST FOREIGNERS - MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE VICTIMS WERE MARRIED - THE WATER BOY TELLS A THRILLING TALE - THINKS THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION OF GAS - THE FALL SOUNDED LIKE THE REPORT OF CANNONS.

Wilkes-Barre, Pa., June 28. - While ninety miners were at work in the Red Ash vein of the Twin Shaft at Pittston, about 3 o'clock this morning, the roof caved in and it is believed that all of the men perished. About forty of the imprisoned men were English speaking miners, the others foreigners...

The men were at work propping up the roof when the fall occurred. The alarm was immediately given by the ringing of the fire bells, and rescuers were put to work without delay.

More than two-thirds of the victims were married men and leave families. Among them were Acting Mayor LANGAN, who was inside superintendent of the mine, and MICHAEL T. LYNOTT, a ward councilman.
About two weeks ago the surveyors reported to General Superintendent Law ... Read MORE...

1897 - September 10 – Lattimer Massacre: A sheriff's posse kills 19 unarmed immigrant miners in Pennsylvania.
The Lattimer Massacre of September 10, 1897, stands as a tragic episode in American labor history, illustrating the tensions between immigrant workers and industrial interests in the late 19th century. The incident occurred in Lattimer, Pennsylvania, where a group of striking anthracite coal miners, primarily of Eastern European descent, marched peacefully towards the local sheriff's office to present their demands for better working conditions and wages. As they approached, a sheriff's posse, comprising local law enforcement and deputized citizens, confronted the miners.

Despite the miners' unarmed and non-violent protest, the sheriff's posse opened fire on them indiscriminately. In the brutal volley that ensued, 19 miners were killed, and dozens more were wounded.

1898 - March 24 – Robert Allison of Port Carbon, Pennsylvania, becomes the first person to buy an American-built automobile when he buys a Winton automobile that had been advertised in Scientific American.
In 1898, Robert Allison of Port Carbon, Pennsylvania, entered automotive history by becoming the first person to purchase an American-built automobile. The purchase marked a significant milestone in the evolution of transportation, as automobiles were still a novel and largely experimental technology at the time. Allison's acquisition was a Winton automobile, which had been advertised in the widely read Scientific American magazine. This event not only showcased the growing interest in motorized vehicles but also highlighted the pioneering spirit of individuals like Allison, who were willing to embrace new technology despite its unfamiliarity and early challenges.

The Winton automobile itself was a product of Alexander Winton, a Scottish immigrant who had established himself as a bicycle manufacturer in Cleveland, Ohio. Winton ventured into automobile production in the late 1890s, aiming to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for personal transportation. Allison's purchase... Read MORE...

1899 - The Girl With Thin Arms
Thin arms should be carefully concealed. They have an impoverished look that robs their owner of some of her dignity. If the arms are unduly long, as they occasionly are, the effect may be neutralized by wearing wide bands of velvet fastened with pretty buttons or clasps or buckles. This reduces the apparent length of the arms. "Thin arms," says M. Charles Blanc, the great French authority on dress, "denote bad health and an enfeebled race." The best remedy is to wash the arms with a fine lather of soap at least twice a day, and to dry them thoroughly and rub them vigorously. This treatment brings the pores into action and induces a healthy condition of the skin. Rubbing with a soft chamois leather is excellent for the skin, giving it both smoothness and gloss. -Mrs. Humphry in the June Ladies, Home Journal.
The Daily News
Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania
Wed., May 31, 1899

1900 - Buildings Wrecked in Pennsylvania
Lockhaven, PA, Nov 22 - A violent windstorm passed over this (Clinton) county yesterday. the building now under construction for the Pennsylvania Fire Brick company at Beach Creek was blown down and Thomas Stahl an employee severely injured. Two tobacco sheds belonging to Robert McCormick below this city were town to pieces, and the crop of 1,200 acres of tobacco leaf stored in the sheds was destroyed. The tobacco shed of Thomas McKeague at McFlhattan was also destroyed, and two iron stacks at L M Patterson & Co's pipe works, this city, were blown down.
The Trenton Times
Trenton, New Jersey
November 22, 1900

1901 - THRILLING DASH FOR LIFE. Twelve Men and a Woman Swim Through Spouting Flames of Gas.
Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. - Swimming through spouting flames of gas was the experience of 12 men and a woman on the sand boat, Vigilant, which was burned to the water's edge in the Monongahela river at Clairton yesterday.

The boat was moored over a gas main which crosses the river at that point. A break in the main caused gas to bubble up through the water and ignite from the fires under the steamer's boiler. There was an explosion and the boat was enveloped in fire.

The members of the crew and the woman jumped into the river and swam through the geysers of fire. All reached shore in safety, badly scorched or burned.
Davenport Daily Republican
Davenport, Iowa
November 22, 1901

1902 - Over 100,000 miners called strike, closed mines all summer, President Roosevelt intervened, forced mine owners to submit to arbitration
In 1902, over 100,000 coal miners across the United States went on strike, marking one of the largest labor disputes in American history up to that point. The miners, organized under the United Mine Workers (UMW), were demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and shorter workdays amidst the harsh realities of mining life. Their strike effectively shut down coal production during the crucial summer months, severely impacting industrial operations and causing widespread concern about fuel shortages.

President Theodore Roosevelt stepped in, recognizing the national significance of the strike and fearing its potential impact on the economy and public welfare. He pressured the mine owners to accept arbitration, a legal process in which a neutral third party would settle the dispute. This move was significant as it demonstrated a shift towards federal intervention in labor disputes to maintain industrial peace and protect the interests of workers and the broader economy.... Read MORE...

1903 - Cracked by Every Car
By Publisher's Press Direct Wire

Latrobe Pa Feb 11 Charles Henry of Indians, a fireman on the Pennsylvania Railroad attempted to board a rapidly moving train at Latrobe station yesterday and was dragged to Alexandria street where he lodged in the bridge and was struck by every car of the entire train in passing. He died on the way to a hospital.
The Trenton Times
Trenton, New Jersey
February 11, 1903

1904 - Major mine explosion in Cheswick, Pennsylvania entombed 179 coal miners
The mine explosion in Cheswick, Pennsylvania in 1904 stands as a tragic testament to the hazards faced by coal miners in the early 20th century. On December 19, 1904, a devastating explosion ripped through the Harwick Mine No. 1, operated by the Pittsburgh Coal Company. The blast, likely caused by a buildup of methane gas or coal dust, entombed 179 miners deep underground. Rescue efforts were hampered by the dangerous conditions inside the mine and the sheer scale of the disaster.
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1905 - DEATH IS MET IN MINE EXPLOSION. A TERRIBLE DISASTER OCCURS NEAR DUBOIS, PA. A DOZEN MEN ARE KILLED.
ONLY ONE IS INJURED, BUT HE MAY DIE - OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO DETERMINE CAUSE.

Dubois, Pa., April 29. - The mine disaster that occurred at Eleanora shaft Thursday night is the worst that has taken place in this region since 1896, when 12 men were killed in the Berwind-White shaft, near this city. Twelve were killed and one had both legs and both arms broken. He will probably die. The explosion, occurred at 9:35, but for some unaccountable reason word was not set to surrounding towns until morning.

The dead, so far as known, are:
GEORGE KIRKWOOD, married, six children.
ADAM KIRKWOOD, married, four children.
JOE LONNA, married, five children.
FRANK SCHRUM, married, three children.
AUGUST WASTCAVITCH, single.
MARTIN WESTCAVITCH, married.
NICK FROMANSKY, single.
JOHN FROMANSKY, wife and three children.
GEORGE TANSKY, single.
JOHN HOPKINS, trap boy.
Also two foreigners whose names could not be learned.

Injured:
HARRY MOHNEY, arms and legs broken,... Read MORE...

1906 - FOUR FATALLY BURNED. A SERIOUS GAS EXPLOSION IN NANTICOKE MINE. BOY CRAWLED FROM THE MINE AND SPREAD ALARM - ACCIDENT CAUSED BY GAS AND NAKED LAMP.
Wilkes-Barre, Aug. 6. - An explosion of gas occurred this afternoon in the old No. 1 shaft at Nanticoke, operated by the Susquehanna Coal company.

As a direct result of the accident six men and one boy, all Polish, were injured or burned, four of whom are not expected to recover.
The explosion was caused by a miner with a naked lamp coming in contact with a feeder of gas which he ignited while in the act of blasting.

There were nearly 100 men in the main gangway at the time, but they fortunately escaped. Many of them were knocked down by the force of the explosion, but none was seriously injured, aside from the seven who were near the point where the gas was set off. FRANK LAMAN, a door boy, crawled along the rails in the mine and made his way through the doors and gave the alarm to one of the mine bosses. It took some time to reach the men and rescue them.

The mine was on fire for a short time and while many of the men fought the fire with hose and water, others carried... Read MORE...

1907 - December 19 – An explosion in a coal mine in Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania kills 239.
In 1907, a devastating gas explosion rocked the Jacobs Creek coal mine in Pennsylvania, claiming the lives of 239 miners. The explosion, triggered by a buildup of methane gas, occurred deep underground, where workers were laboring in the dark and hazardous conditions typical of early 20th-century mining operations. The force of the blast was catastrophic, collapsing tunnels and trapping miners in the debris. Rescue efforts were hampered by the volatile atmosphere underground and the sheer scale of the disaster.
December 19, 1907

1908 - January 13 – A fire at the Rhoads Opera House in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., kills 170.
On January 13, 1908, tragedy struck Boyertown, Pennsylvania, when a devastating fire engulfed the Rhoads Opera House during a packed theatrical performance. The opera house, a prominent local venue, was hosting a play attended by hundreds of people, many of whom were families enjoying a night out. The fire is believed to have started from a kerosene lamp that fell onto the stage, quickly igniting the highly flammable decorations and curtains.

The blaze spread rapidly through the wooden structure, trapping and overwhelming the panicked crowd. Amidst the chaos, efforts to evacuate were hampered by the lack of adequate fire escapes and exits, leading to a horrific loss of life. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had already consumed much of the building. The disaster claimed the lives of 170 people, mostly women and children, making it one of the deadliest fires in Pennsylvania's history.
wikipedia.org
January 13, 1908

1908 - THREE MEN DEAD IN A MINE - Explosion Near Monongahela, Pa., With Fatal Results.
MONONGAHELA, Pa., June 19. - Three miners are dead, two others perhaps fatally burned, and fifteen entombed, many of whom are supposed to be dead from an explosion at the Ellsworth No. 1 mine of the Pittsburg Coal company near here today. It is feared the entombed men are also dead. Of the victims taken from the mine JOHN BEAL is the only one identified. The others are foreigners whose features were too scorched to be recognized. The two burned men were hurried to the hospital here where it is said they will probably die. Little is known as to the cause of the explosion.

Later reports from Ellsworth, Pa., are to the effect that all the men are out of the mine, the total number of victims being ten, three of whom, are dead. Two injured men, both named Peter Hazen, cousins, are at the hospital, terribly burned. Five other injured where taken out of the mine several hours after the explosion and brought to the hospital here tonight.
The Nebraska State Journal
Lincoln, Nebraska
June 20, 1908

1908 - Hospital Burned
Fire broke out in the Lock Haven hospital at 12:45 o’clock last Tuesday afternoon and in less than an hour the entire building was in ashes. All of the patients were taken out in safety. There was no water available with which to fight the flames and nothing could be done to save the building from destruction. Intense excitement prevailed throughout the city while the fire was in progress, but at the hospital the nurses and physicians worked heroically until every inmate was removed from the building. The hospital will be rebuilt.
The Wellsboro Agitator
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
August 5, 1908

1912 - DEATH TOLL IN WRECK IS FIVE; CREW CENSURED. IMPROPER HANDLING BELIEVED CAUSE OF FREIGHT'S WILD RACE. GENERAL MANAGER'S STATEMENT.
Besides Crew, Bodies of Two Others are Found and More May Be Buried Beneath the Debris - Injured Fireman is Dying, Brakeman is Better.

The toll of death in Thursday's terrible wreck on the Connellsville division of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad was placed at five Friday. It will likely grow. In addition to the two trainmen known to have perished, another is missing and the safety of one in doubt. Besides these, two other bodies were found in the wreckage. One was that of JOHN EVANS, a pumper who lived at Hyndman, and the other supposedly a tramp.

Just what has become of Fireman C. S. GARDNER is in doubt. Although the official report of General Manager C. W. GALLOWAY states that he leaped from his locomotive with Engineer GEORGE KIMMELL, all other reports state that the fireman is still missing and he is supposed to have perished.

That the train was improperly handled is the conclusion reached by General Manager GALLOWAY, who states that a thorough investigation will be made.... Read MORE...

1919 - BOMB TEARS GREAT HOLE IN ROOF OF McKEESPORT MILL - Workmen Flee When Explosion Hurls Debris in All Directions - Attempt to Wreck Plant of American Sheet and Tinplate Company Fails
PITTSBURGH, Pa., Oct. 8. - An attempt was made to wreck the plant of American Sheet and Tinplate Company, at McKeesport, early today, when a missile, believed to have been a bomb was thrown on the shipping department building. It exploded, tearing a large hole in the roof of the structure. No one was injured.

The police believe the explosion was caused by a time bomb placed upon the roof of the building.

Workmen on the night shift at their posts directly under where the missile exploded fled in terror when the explosion occurred, and bits of shattered wood and glass were hurled in all directions.

Foreigners Frightened
Foreign residents of the district, panic-stricken, rushed from their homes into the streets. The report of the blast could be heard from blocks and attracted hundreds of persons to the scene.

Although several hundred mill guard and police were rushed to the plant immediately after the explosion. No trace of the person or persons responsible for the blast... Read MORE...

1928 - Firedamp coal mine explosion in Mather killed 195 workers; Walter Diemer invented bubble gum

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1936 - SAY DUBOIS MINER DEAD AS RESCUERS WORK IN CAVE-IN.
DUBOIS, PA., Mar. 12. - Rescue workers reported Lee Selner, 32-year-old miner, died today - nearly 18 hours after he had been trapped under tons of slate in a mine.

The victim called to his rescuers during the night while relays worked to save him but he was silent this morning.

The collapse occurred yesterday afternoon. A second cave-in, early this morning, threatened the rescuers.

Workers continued digging for Selner this morning after saying he had died. They expected to recover the body shortly.
Clearfield Progress
Clearfield, Pennsylvania
March 12, 1936

1937 - June 14 – Pennsylvania becomes the first (and only) of the United States to celebrate Flag Day officially as a state holiday.

On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania made history by becoming the first and only state in the United States to officially recognize Flag Day as a state holiday. This decision was significant as it marked a formal recognition of the importance and symbolism of the American flag. Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States, had been celebrated unofficially for decades prior, but Pennsylvania's action helped solidify its status as a nationally recognized observance.

The choice of June 14 as Flag Day is rooted in history, as it was on this day in 1777 that the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. Over the years, Flag Day has become an important occasion for Americans to reflect on the ideals and principles that the flag represents, such as freedom, democracy, and unity.
June 14, 1937

1940 - First section of Pennsylvania Turnpike opened, 160 miles long
The opening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1940 marked a pivotal moment in American transportation history. Stretching 160 miles across the state, it was the first long-distance, limited-access highway in the United States. This innovative roadway system connected the cities of Carlisle and Irwin, providing a streamlined route through the Appalachian Mountains that was designed to accommodate the increasing volume of automobile traffic.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike represented a leap forward in highway engineering and urban planning, featuring gradual curves, broad shoulders, and gentle grades that made it safer and more efficient than traditional roads of the time. Its construction set a new standard for interstate highways in America, inspiring similar projects nationwide in subsequent decades. By offering motorists a faster and more direct route across Pennsylvania, the turnpike not only facilitated regional travel but also spurred economic development by enhancing access to... Read MORE...

January 8, 1953 - A severe ice storm in the northeastern U.S. produced up to four inches of ice in Pennsylvania, and two to three inches in southeastern New York State.
In southern New England the ice coated a layer of snow up to 20 inches deep. The storm resulted in 31 deaths and 2.5 million dollars damage.
WeatherForYou.com

1963 - TORNADO IN ST. MARY'S.
St. Mary's, Pa. (UPI) - The two men pulled their car off the highway to watch the storm clouds gather.

"Suddenly we saw the twister," explained Tom Hauber. "It looked to be about 15 feet wide at the bottom and about 100 feet across the top. It lasted about 5 to 10 minutes, tearing up everything in its path."
Hauber, a radio announcer, and John Mishock, an engineer, were returning to their studio Tuesday when a tornado bore down on this small northwestern Pennsylvania community, causing more than $1 million damage.

The twister damaged between 100 and 150 homes and garages, including 20 trailer homes, turned a moving tractor-trailer around in the air four times, splintered countless utility poles, downed power lines and uprooted trees.

Less than 20 persons required hospital treatment. Only four were hospitalized, the most serious suffering from a fractured leg.

"Fortunately," said State Police Sgt. Joseph Hugar, "the kids were in school, the men were working and the mothers ... Read MORE...

1972 - June 30 - The entire state of Pennsylvania was declared a disaster area as a result of the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Agnes, which claimed 48 lives, and caused 2.1 billion dollars damage.
On June 30, 1972, Pennsylvania faced one of its most devastating natural disasters when Hurricane Agnes struck, leading to catastrophic flooding that engulfed the entire state. The hurricane, which had already wrought havoc across the Gulf Coast before moving northward, brought relentless rain that overwhelmed Pennsylvania's river systems. The Susquehanna River, swollen by days of heavy rainfall, breached its banks, inundating towns and cities along its path with unprecedented flooding.

The aftermath was staggering: 48 lives lost and widespread destruction estimated at 2.1 billion dollars. Homes were submerged, businesses destroyed, and infrastructure crippled as floodwaters submerged communities from Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre. The disaster prompted a massive federal response, with President Richard Nixon declaring Pennsylvania a disaster area.
The Weather Channel
June 30, 1972

1976 - Legionnaire's Disease killed 29
In 1976, Legionnaire's Disease emerged as a deadly public health crisis that initially puzzled medical experts and authorities alike. The outbreak began during a convention of the American Legion, a veterans' organization, at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. What started as a seemingly isolated incident soon escalated into a major health emergency as attendees began falling ill with a mysterious respiratory illness. Over 200 people were affected, and tragically, 29 individuals lost their lives due to the disease.

Investigations into the outbreak revealed that the Legionella bacterium, later named after the American Legion convention where it was first identified, was responsible for the illness. The bacterium thrived in warm water environments such as air conditioning systems and large plumbing systems, which likely facilitated its spread throughout the hotel.
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1979 - Three Mile Island nuclear accident - March 28
On March 28, 1979, the United States experienced a significant nuclear accident at the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The incident began with a mechanical failure in the plant's reactor cooling system, which led to a partial meltdown of the reactor core. This malfunction caused a release of radioactive gases into the atmosphere and triggered a state of emergency in the surrounding area.

The accident sparked widespread fear and raised concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants across the country. It also prompted a large-scale evacuation of pregnant women and young children from the area, although no immediate deaths or injuries resulted from the incident. However, it severely damaged public confidence in nuclear energy and prompted extensive investigations into the causes and consequences of the accident. The cleanup and decommissioning efforts at Three Mile Island continued for years afterward, underscoring the long-term... Read MORE...

2023 - Pennsylvania has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Keystone State:
Philadelphia:
Independence National Historical Park: Explore iconic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Museum of Art: Run up the famous "Rocky Steps" and explore a world-class art collection.
Reading Terminal Market: Savor Philly's famous cheesesteaks and diverse food offerings.

Pittsburgh:
Andy Warhol Museum: Discover the art and life of the famous pop artist.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Enjoy lush gardens and beautiful plant collections.
Duquesne Incline: Take a funicular ride for panoramic views of the city.

Gettysburg:
Gettysburg National Military Park: Tour the battlefield and learn about the Civil War's pivotal moment.
Eisenhower National Historic Site: Explore the home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Hershey:
Hersheypark: Experience thrilling rides and indulge in chocolate-themed attractions.
Hershey's Chocolate World: Take a tour to see how chocolate is made and enjoy sweet treats.

Amish Country (Lancaster County):
Amish ... Read MORE...