Why is Pennsylvania called the Keystone State?

This story goes back 200 years, to when the United States of America was born as a new nation. The historic event happened when 13 former British Colonies became the 13 original states. These states were along the eastern seaboard and followed a curve along the coastline. On the map, they formed a curved arch. At the top of every real archway is a keystone that holds it in shape. The state of Pennsylvania occupied this position in the arch formed by the 13 original states.

This is one reason why it seemed logical to call it the Keystone State. It also was a good idea because Pennsylvania was the key state where the new nation was founded. It also is called the Quaker State because the original colony was founded by a famous Quaker named William Penn. The settlers were enchanted by those beauteous green rolling hills—and the name Pennsylvania means Penn’s woods.