Why is Pennsylvania known as the Keystone State?

Question

It looks like a rectangle to me. They have a picture of a keystone, and it isn't shaped like that.

Answer 1

G'day Scott,

Thanks for your question.

Pennsylvania is also known as the Keystone State, based on its central location among the original Thirteen Colonies forming the United States. Pennsylvania, however is not only geographically the keystone state, but economically as well, having both the industry common to the North, making such wares as Conestoga wagons and rifles, and the agriculture common to the South, producing feed, fiber, food, and tobacco.

The keystone is an anology from architecture. It arose in the early 1800's. According to the Pennsylvania Government:

"At a Jefferson Republican victory rally in October 1802, Pennsylvania was toasted as "the keystone in the federal union," and in the newspaper Aurora the following year the state was referred to as "the keystone in the democratic arch." The modern persistence of this designation is justified in view of the key position of Pennsylvania in the economic, social, and political development of the United States."

I have attached some sources for your reference.

Regards

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

A keystone is the most important stone in an arch - it's the stone at the very top that connects the two sides and provides stability. Pennsylvania fancied itself as a keystone between the northern (New England) and southern colonies.

Answer 4

They drink cheap beer.

Answer 5

FOR THAT CRAPY KEYSTONE BEER