Living in Pennsylvania is full of surprises. We uncover hidden gems when and where we least expect them. With a history as long and as storied as Pennsylvania, we also might run across fascinating tidbits that we’d never heard before. How many of these nine unique trivia facts about Pennsylvania, for example, did you already know?

1. The Philadelphia Zoo was America’s first.

Facebook/Philadelphia Zoo
A city landmark, the Philadelphia Zoo first opened on July 1, 1874. The Pennsylvania zoo was also the first in the country to open a Children’s Zoo.

2. The first piano in the United States was built in Philadelphia.

Flickr/Frederick Rubensson
Upon moving to the United States from London, England, John Berent built what would become known as the first American-made piano.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers + Philadelphia Eagles = Steagles

Wikipedia/Urban Archives, Temple University Libraries, Philadelphia
Yep, it happened for one season during World War II in 1943. Because so many players had gone off to war, there weren’t enough to field both teams. So the teams merged for one rather lackluster season in which they won five, lost four, and tied one.

4. Reading is the Pretzel Capital of the World.

Facebook/Faller’s Pretzel
While Reading is the Pretzel Capital of the World, Pennsylvania produces the majority – around 80 percent – of pretzels in the country.

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5. Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was more advanced than the White House.

Facebook/Eastern State Penitentiary
Yep, the famous (or infamous, whichever way you want to look at it) prison had running water and central heat before even the White House did.

6. The Philadelphia Blue Jays?

Google/Mont
Before the 1944 baseball season kicked off, Phillies’ management held a fan contest to determine the team’s new nickname. Fans picked the Blue Jays. However, the rebranding never quite took hold, and the Phillies were back – for good – in 1950.

7. Pennsylvania is home to the World’s Largest Paint Can.

Google Maps
Drive to Shippensburg to see the World’s Largest Paint Can, which stands 35 feet tall. The former water tower has become a popular roadside stop.

8. Kennett Square is the Mushroom Capital of the World.

Facebook/Midnight in the Square, Mushroom Capital of the World
If you love mushrooms, you’ll fall head over heels for Kennett Square, the Pennsylvania town that produces more than half of the mushrooms in the U.S. The town embraces its status, too. Shop at a mushroom-themed store; celebrate at a mushroom-themed festival, and watch a mushroom drop on New Year’s.

9. The Pennsylvania State Dog is the Great Dane.

Wikipedia/Fainomenan
Did you know that William Penn had a Great Dane? But we don't just have a State Dog. The State Animal is the white-tailed deer, and the State Amphibian is the eastern hellbender.

How many of these unique trivia facts about Pennsylvania did you already know?  Did any surprise you? Let us know in the comments! Then check out these surefire signs that you have strong roots in Pennsylvania. You can even show off your Pennsylvania pride with Wear Your Roots gear.

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