Were you aware that Pennsylvania had a state locomotive? How about a state dog? The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a variety of fascinating state symbols. In this article we will take a look at a few of the lesser known ones.
Animal
Pennsylvania's state animal is the white tailed deer. The PA House of Representatives initially passed laws to protect these animals in 1721 and it was named state animal in October of 1959. Early settlers depended on these deer as a primary source of clothing and food.
Dog
Pennsylvania officially named the Great Dane as the State's dog in 1965. William Penn, of whom Pennsylvania was named, was well known for his love these dogs. There is a famous painting called 'Best Friend' that hangs in the Governor's mansion and features Penn with his Great Dane.
Locomotive
Pennsylvania has two state locomotives - a state steam locomotive and state electric locomotive. PA's state steam locomotive is the K4 1361 steam locomotive. Made in Pennsylvania, these coal burning trains transported passengers on PA railroads for over 30 years with more than 400 operating across the state at one time during the peak of the train's operating period.
The state's electric locomotive is the GGI 4859. Over 130 of these trains raced across PA rails at speeds in excess of 100 mph. They were used to carry both freight and trains filled with troops during World War II. Both trains were officially made state symbols in 1987.
Tree
Made use of by early PA settlers to construct log homes and for other building and survival essentials, Pennsylvania officially named the eastern hemlock as the state tree in 1931. The eastern hemlock can be found throughout forests and woodlands in Pennsylvania and can live for over 500 years or more. In general, these trees can reach heights of approximately 100 to 170 feet.
Cookie
According to state Senator Arlen Spector's website (but not the official Pennsylvania state site) the PA state cookie is the chocolate chip cookie. It was originally submitted for consideration by a 4th grade elementary school class.
Pennsylvania has a rich history and many more interesting state symbols. You can find more information on the history behind the symbols by visiting Pennsylvania's official state website or exploring each symbol independently on the internet or at your local library.
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