Rantings Diversified

I got nothing. No funny stories, no insightful quips or political diatribes so here are some worthless facts about Pennsylvania. I have no clue why these tidbits get stuck in my mind but they do and occasionally, like now, I regurgitate them.

Nickname: Keystone State
During colonial times Pennsylvania was the middle colony of the original 13 colonies (there are six states above it and six states below it). It held the colonies together like the “keystone” in a window or door arch.
Meaning of Pennsylvania: Penn’s Woods
Named after the father of Admiral William Penn.
Motto: Virtue, Liberty and Independence
Entered the Union: December 12, 1787
State Animal: Whitetail Deer
State Beverage: Milk
State Bird: Ruffed Grouse.
State Dog: Great Dane
State Fish: Brook Trout
State Flower: Mountain Laurel
State Fossil: Phacops Rana
A small water animal
State Insect: Firefly
State Ship: United States Brig Niagara
The restored Niagara serves as the Flagship of Pennsylvania. It was the flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and was decisive in defeating the British at the Battle of Lake Erie.
State Song: Pennsylvania
State Tree: Hemlock

Oh yeah, there are three towns in Lancaster county named, Blue Ball, Bird-In-Hand and Intercourse.