Pennsylvania’s early industrial growth and development was
extremely slow. Our state began as a rural, agricultural colony with
many small, self-sufficient farms. Farming has always been an
important part of our economy. Rich soils were one of themain
reasons somany different ethnic groups emigrated to our state.
Greater numbers of immigrants created a greater need for goods
and services. On a small scale, industries such as textiles and iron
forging slowly began to appear. Services related to printing, taverns,
tanning, and blacksmithing were soon started in Philadelphia and
other small settlements. But industrial growth remained scattered and
uncoordinated.
In its early stages of industrial growth, Pennsylvania hadmajor
geographical obstacles hindering the expansion of industry. The
greatest obstacle was themountain chains that prevented the easy
flow of goods and services westward and eastward. These obstacles
had to be conquered before industry could expand.
One of the dominant themes of this chapter is: As a transport
system for moving goods and services became faster and cheaper, it
replaced the slower, more costly systemof moving goods and
services. Each of the following lessons supports this theme.
1875
1865
1855
1845
1846
The Pennsylvania
Railroad is
chartered.
1856
Pennsylvanian
James Buchanan
elected U.S.
President.
1859
Edwin Drake drills
first successful oil
well near Titusville,
Pennsylvania
1863
Battle of Gettsyburg
and Lincoln’s
Gettysburg Address
59
