Historic Pennsylvania People – Legends of America
Pennsylvania, the Keystone State! It’s not just about rolling hills and cheesesteaks (though those are pretty awesome). This place is practically overflowing with history, and that history is made by people – fascinating, larger-than-life characters who left their mark on America. Let’s take a peek at some of the most memorable folks who called Pennsylvania home or made a significant impact there.
The Founding Father: Benjamin Franklin
Alright, let’s start with a heavyweight: Benjamin Franklin. This guy was a total rock star of the 18th century. Born in Boston, he adopted Philadelphia as his home and it’s hard to imagine the city, or America for that matter, without him.
What didn’t Franklin do? He was a printer, writer (Poor Richard’s Almanack, anyone?), inventor (lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove – the list goes on!), diplomat, and one of the key figures in the American Revolution. He was also a postmaster and helped establish the first public library and fire department in Philadelphia. Seriously, the man was a machine!
But here’s what makes him so cool: Franklin was a self-made man. He rose from humble beginnings through hard work, intelligence, and a knack for connecting with people. He was a master of self-improvement, always striving to be a better version of himself. His autobiography is still inspiring people today!
Franklin wasn’t perfect, of course. He held some views that are pretty outdated by today’s standards. But there’s no denying his impact on shaping America. He embodied the spirit of the Enlightenment and the idea that anyone could achieve greatness through effort and ingenuity.
Frontiersman: John David Albert
John David Albert was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in 1765. A frontiersman, John David Albert was a pioneer in the Ohio River Valley. He served as a private in the Pennsylvania Militia during the Revolutionary War. He was also a farmer, a hunter, and a trapper.
Activist, Teacher, & Writer: Mary Ann Shadd Cary
Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823-1893) was an anti-slavery activist, journalist, teacher, lawyer and suffragist. She was the first black woman publisher in North America and the second black woman to earn a law degree in the United States.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Shadd Cary moved to Canada in 1851 after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act. In Canada, she founded a school for black refugees and published The Provincial Freeman, a weekly newspaper that advocated for abolition and racial equality.
After the Civil War, Shadd Cary returned to the United States and became a teacher in Washington, D.C. She also studied law at Howard University and earned her degree in 1883. She then practiced law in Washington, D.C., and became involved in the women’s suffrage movement.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality. She was a true pioneer and a role model for generations of black women.
The Fur Trader: Alexander Culbertson
Alexander Culbertson was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania in 1809. He was a fur trader and diplomat who worked for the American Fur Company for over 30 years. He was also the husband of Natawista Iksána, a Kainai (Blood) woman who was a skilled diplomat and negotiator.
Culbertson began his career with the American Fur Company as a clerk in 1827. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a partner in the company in 1834. He was responsible for managing the company’s operations in the Upper Missouri River region, which included trading with various Native American tribes.
Culbertson was a skilled negotiator and diplomat. He was able to build strong relationships with the Native American tribes in the region, which helped the American Fur Company to maintain its dominance in the fur trade. He was also instrumental in negotiating treaties between the United States government and the Native American tribes.
In 1840, Culbertson married Natawista Iksána, a Kainai (Blood) woman. Natawista was a skilled diplomat and negotiator, and she played an important role in Culbertson’s success. She helped him to understand the customs and traditions of the Native American tribes, and she also helped him to negotiate treaties and trade agreements.
Culbertson retired from the American Fur Company in 1868. He died in 1879 in Louisville, Kentucky.
First Known Mountain Man: Joseph Dickson
Born in Pennsylvania, Joseph Dickson joined with a group of men to go into the wilderness to trap and hunt. After traveling and making camp in Illinois, Dickson and his party were robbed and sent back to the east. However, Dickson was able to convince one man, Reese, to return with him. The two headed west and trapped in New Mexico and Arizona before returning home with plenty of furs.
The "Mad" General: Anthony Wayne
General Anthony Wayne (1745-1796) was a fiery and courageous officer in the American Revolutionary War. His nickname, "Mad Anthony," wasn’t because he was crazy, but because of his daring and sometimes reckless battlefield tactics.
Born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, Wayne quickly rose through the ranks during the Revolution. He was known for his bravery at battles like Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. His most famous victory came at the Battle of Stony Point in 1779, where he led a daring nighttime assault that captured a key British position.
After the Revolution, Wayne continued his military service, leading troops against Native American tribes in the Northwest Territory. He won a decisive victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794, which helped open up the Ohio Valley to American settlement.
Wayne wasn’t just a soldier, though. He was also a politician, serving in the Pennsylvania legislature. He was a complex figure, admired for his courage but also criticized for his sometimes aggressive behavior. But there’s no question that he played a vital role in securing American independence and expanding the nation’s territory.
Robert Fulton and the Steamboat
Robert Fulton (1765-1815) was an engineer and inventor who is widely credited with developing the first commercially successful steamboat.
Fulton was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He moved to Philadelphia at the age of 17 and worked as a jeweler and painter. In 1787, he went to Europe to study art. While in Europe, he became interested in engineering and began to experiment with steam engines.
In 1807, Fulton launched the North River Steamboat, also known as the Clermont, on the Hudson River. The Clermont was the first steamboat to provide regular passenger service. It was an immediate success, and steamboats quickly became a popular mode of transportation.
Fulton’s invention of the steamboat revolutionized transportation and helped to open up the American West. He also designed and built the first submarine and the first torpedo.
Why Pennsylvania?
So, what is it about Pennsylvania that produced (or attracted) so many influential figures?
- Location, Location, Location: Pennsylvania’s central location made it a hub for trade, migration, and new ideas.
- Religious Tolerance: William Penn’s vision of a colony based on religious freedom attracted people from all over Europe.
- Economic Opportunity: The state’s rich natural resources and growing industries provided opportunities for ambitious individuals.
- A Spirit of Innovation: From Franklin’s inventions to the development of new industries, Pennsylvania has always been a place where people were willing to experiment and push boundaries.
Beyond the Big Names
Of course, this is just a small sampling of the remarkable people who have shaped Pennsylvania’s history. There are countless other stories waiting to be discovered – stories of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. So, next time you’re in Pennsylvania, take a moment to think about the people who came before us and the legacy they left behind. It’s a legacy worth celebrating!