The Agora Times

Pennsylvania is sometimes referred to as the "History State” and for good reason; it has a lot of history! There are a lot of historical sites around Pennsylvania, many dating back to colonial times and the Revolution. And beyond history, PA is full of many other impressive places to travel to. Below are just a few of the many great places you can visit within Pennsylvania.

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Liberty Bell Center

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The iconic Liberty Bell was commissioned in 1752, a replacement to an older bell that been in use since Philadelphia's founding. It was used to call legislators to sessions, as well as to alert the public of these sessions. The bell bears a large crack of unknown origins down the side, which has since become a signature mark of it. It bears many inscriptions, such as Proclaim Liberty Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof, a quote from the book of Leviticus. It also features the last names of John Pass and John Stow, men who had helped to recast the bell in 1753. You can see the bell at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia.

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Independence Hall

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Also located in Philadelphia is Independence Hall, part of the Independence National Historical Park. Built in 1732, Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution were signed, and the hall has since become a symbol of freedom and justice to activists. The building features many rooms, and when you visit, you can see the very one in which the Declaration and Constitution were signed.

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Pennsylvania State Capitol

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Located in Harrisburg is the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Built in 1906, it holds the legislative chambers of the PA General Assembly, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the Harrisburg chambers of the state Supreme and Superior Courts, among other things. It is open to the public for touring.

 

Eastern State Penitentiary 

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The Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, first opened in 1829. It was supposed to be revolutionary, promoting a religious and spiritual rehabilitation of prisoners as opposed to just punishing them (though prisoners were still subject to brutal treatments), and proved to be very successful until its closure in 1971. The penitentiary was designated an official National Historic Landmark in 1965, and is currently open to the public as a museum, offering tours and events.

 

Ricketts Glen State Park

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More of a nature person? Take a hike at Ricketts Glen! Located in Benton PA, Ricketts Glen State Park has over 13,000 acres of land and 21 water falls. There are a variety of trails to hike on, including the Falls Trail, the Grand View Trail, and the Mountain Springs Trail, all taking you through the magnificent sights the park has to offer. This park is one that you must see in person for the full experience.