| THE NICKNAMES:
The Keystone State: A keystone is a central wedge in an arch that locks all other pieces of an arch
in place. It is the part of an arch that all other parts depend upon.
Pennsylvania's popular nickname, "The Keystone State," refers to this necessary element. Like most nicknames,
it is not known, for certain, where this name originated, but there are a few interesting thoughts about
how this nickname came to be. They are all based on the theme of the necessity of a keystone in a supporting
structure.
In the vote for independence, nine delegates to the Continental Congress were from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
It's said that the Pennsylvania delegation was split; four for independence and four against. The deciding vote
fell to John Morton.... who voted for independence. Pennsylvania's vote for independence was noted as
the keystone vote; the supporting vote for a new government.
When the government was moved to Washington, D.C., a bridge was built over Rock Creek to Georgetown. This bridge was
the Pennsylvania Avenue Bridge. Pennsylvania's initials were carved into the "keystone" of the arch supporting
the bridge.
Another explanation has it that Pennsylvania's geographic location, among the original thirteen colonies, was the
basis for this nickname.
Though the nickname's origin is unknown, it's certain that it was in use around, or shortly after, 1800. It's
reported that Pennsylvania was toasted as "...the keystone of the federal union" at a Republican presidential
victory rally for Thomas Jefferson in 1802. Regardless of its origin, the nickname has come to represent
Pennsylvania's geographic, economic, social and political impact on development of the United States.
The Quaker State: Pennsylvania is sometimes called "The Quaker State" in reference to the religion of
William Penn and the Quakers who settled in the state.
The Oil State: This nickname represented one of Pennsylvania's three greatest industries. Today, Quaker State
oil is a well-known brand.
The Coal State: Coal mining, one of Pennsylvania's greatest industries, was the reason for this nickname.
The Steel State: Another Pennsylvania industry, steel, is represented by this nickname.
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994
Shankle, George Earlie, Phd State Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers and
Other Symbols H. H. Wilson Company, New York - 1938 (Reprint) |
