For a lesson about the American Revolution, The Declaration of Independence and the Civil War, a visit to Pennsylvania could teach you much more than an old history textbook. "I would recommend visiting Gettysburg only because it's fascinating to feel the history there," says Jill DeBoom, 23, who lived in Pennsylvania from 1993 to 1997. "The three bloodiest days of the Civil War were fought there and it is reenacted every July 1, 2 and 3. There is tons to see and hear."
    Early Pennsylvania history included four major Native American groups, but these people were gradually pushed to the north or west as the European settlers began to take over the land. The most influential group of people were the English Quakers, who turned Pennsylvania into a prosperous commercial region. Pennsylvania was made a Quaker colony in 1681 when King Charles II of England gave the region to William Penn as payment of a debt to Penn's father. Penn hoped to establish a colony that would provide religious tolerance for his fellow Quakers and fair treatment of the Native Americans.
    However, the fair treatment of the Native Americans didn't last for long. The French claimed some land in this area, and the Native Americans began to resent French presence on what had always been their lands. This conflict led to the French and Indian War (1754-63), much of which took place in Pennsylvania.
    Pennsylvania also played a crucial part in the Civil War. The famous Battle of Gettysburg took place in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Emancipation Act of 1781 promised the end of slavery in this state, and Pennsylvania's southern border was the historical Mason and Dixon Line, which divided the slave and the free states during the civil war. During both world wars, Pennsylvania contributed to the nation's supply of iron and steel, arms and machinery.
    Pennsylvania is made up of many ethnic groups, including some very religious German subgroups such as the Amish people. The Amish spark (rozproudit, podnítit) the interest of many visitors, because they do not live as other Americans do. They wear old-fashioned clothes and don't use any modern appliances or machinery. They often farm with horses and oxen.
    Although Pennsylvania is a fascinating place to visit to learn about early American history, there are also many modern attractions. Pennsylvania has always been one of the most prosperous states in the U.S. with its success in mining, industry, and agriculture. Cultural life is also very rich, with the acclaimed Philadelphia Orchestra and world-famous Philadelphia Museum of Art. And of course Pennsylvania is home to many historical museums spread all over the state.
    "I would recommend visiting the Andy Warhol museum in Pittsburgh," says DeBoom. "Andy grew up in Pittsburgh and the city made this great museum in his honor. Many of his paintings and creations are there and you never know what celebrity may be there."
    After you leave Pennsylvania, you'll definitely be culturally and historically enriched. But don't ignore the beautiful countryside. Pennsylvania is criss-crossed with many rivers and mountains. The Appalachian, Allegheny, and the northern part of the Blue Ridge Mountains all lie within Pennsylvania, and Lake Erie creates its northern border.

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