Undoubtedly this will be the longest blog post I will have ever written in this already long blog. Aside from providing an update on the largest section of my atlas (political geography, which I finished yesterday... or more like yester-really-late-at-night-so-it-was-actually-the-wee-morning-of-today), this will also serve as a normal blog post. To get started, I commented on the blogs of Ruby Lee, Jessica Miao, and Noah Kilshaw.
So... I've been procrastinating heavily on the latter portion of my atlas, partly because I was dreading doing the political geography part and partly because I had lots of other homework the week before. Hey, I like making my atlas, but there is a LOT of tedious work involved. If I wasn't insane before, I sure am now. It is currently the period known as crunch time, in which I am faced with the reality that I don't have much time left and this is something I can NOT procrastinate to the night before (middle school projects I could... ah, the good ol' days).
I only have the very end of my atlas left to do (climate and electoral geography), which should be a snap of the finger compared to the physical and political geography sections. Through this project I have learned time and time again (which means I haven't really been learning if I have to do it over and over again) that my will is weak and I love to procrastinate. I still need to create my Teddy Bear Talk and rehearse it, so there's still a sizable chunk of work left to do. Am I looking forward to my Teddy Bear Talk? Well... yes and no. No because I never look forward to presenting (presenting?! NO! *vomits*) but yes because I feel I have some important stuff to share such as the importance of learning geography, which nobody else is doing in all gifted classes.
Overall, as the project begins its end, I have developed a love-hate relationship with it. I would never work 13 hours straight on something I just plain hate, but I like what I'm doing, creating this atlas. I just hope my printer won't die once I print the behemoth out. I might have to give it a cookie or else it will rebel and refuse to spit out any paper, and if even if it does, it won't print correctly... sorry, that doesn't even make sense. Then again, there isn't much sense in me - I feel loopier than usual today (and I don't even drink coffee!). Okay, you know what? I'll just stop, I'm rambling too much...
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CITIES
If county doesn't show, city and county share same name. Population figures as of 2010 and area in square miles. Note that only cities are listed, not boroughs, municipalities, or census-designated areas though they might have enough people.
Philadelphia incorporated 1701. 1,526,006 and 141.6.
Pittsburgh, Allegheny inc. 1816. 305,704 and 58.3.
Allentown, Lehigh inc. 1867. 118,032 and 18.
Erie inc. 1851. 101,786 and 28.
Reading, Berks inc. 1847. 88,082 and 10.1.
Scranton, Lackawanna inc. 1866. 76,089 and 25.44.
Bethlehem, Northampton/Lehigh inc. 1917. 74,982 and 19.4.
Lancaster inc. 1818. 59,322 and 7.4.
Harrisburg, Dauphin inc. 1860. 49,528 and 11.4.
Altoona, Blair inc. 1868. 46,320 and 9.8.
York inc. 1887. 43,718 and 5.26.
Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne inc. 1871. 41,498 and 7.2.
Chester, Delaware inc. 1866. 33,972 and 6.
Williamsport, Lycoming inc. 1866. 29,381 and 9.5.
Easton, Northampton inc. 1887. 26,800 and 4.7.
Lebanon inc. 1885. 25.477 and 4.2.
Hazleton, Luzerne inc. 1891. 25.340 and 6.
New Castle, Lawrence inc. 1869. 23,273 and 8.6.
Johnstown, Cambria inc. 1889. 20,978 and 6.1.
McKeesport, Allegheny inc. 1891. 19,731 and 13.9.
- Some City Histories
Philadelphia - Founded in 1682 by William Penn, it served as the capital of the Pennsylvania colony. During the Revolutionary Era, Philadelphia was where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 (today, the Liberty Bell is a major tourist attraction). The city served as the location where the Constitution was written in 1787 and was the USA's first capital. The city experienced rapid growth throughout the 19th century as an industrial centre and railroad hub. Thousands of African Americans came here as part of the Great Migration away from the South allowing the population to peak at over two million. Post-industrialisation crippled the city in the latter half of the 20th century, with much unrest, crime, and financial woes. Fortunately, the city is starting to rebound with the gentrification of several neighbourhoods and slowing population decline. Locally the city is known as "Philly" and is nicknamed the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the country (previously its rank was even higher).
Pittsburgh - Settled by the French in 1717, Pittsburgh was known as Fort Duquesne before being taken by the British in the French and Indian War. It was officially founded in 1758. The War of 1812 began the city's metal industry. Despite a fire in 1845 that burned a lot of the city, it continued to grow and boasted hundreds of factories, instrumental in supplying the Union during the Civil War. Afterwards, Carnegie's steel company transformed the city into steel powerhouse, accounting for 1/3-1/2 the entire nation's steel production. Peaking at well over half a million people, it was one of the top ten largest cities in the USA and supplied the USA during WWII. Pittsburgh became heavily polluted, but it has since cleaned up the air in recent decades and helped avoid Pittsburgh from degrading as a result of post-industrialisation. Pittsburgh is now known for its education, medicine, and technology, but its nickname of the Steel City highlights the legacy steel left behind on the city. Despite being much smaller than it was before, Pittsburgh is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the country.
Allentown - Settled in 1751 and officially founded in 1762, the Liberty Bell was temporarily hidden from the British here during the Revolutionary War. The city began to grow with the opening of the Lehigh Canal but was marred by economic depression in the latter half of the 19th century. However, by the 20th century, Allentown had rebounded as a centre for textiles and silk. As silk is no longer commonly used, Allentown stagnated during the post-industrial era, but today it is growing very rapidly along with the rest of the Lehigh Valley.
Erie - Founded in 1795, Erie grew as a shipbuilding centre during the War of 1812 to gain control of the Great Lakes from British Canada. The city continued to grow throughout the 19th century with a strong fishing industry as well, but a major flood in 1915 disrupted the city. These industries heavily polluted Lake Erie during the 20th century which has since been partially cleaned up. The city itself suffered a lot when post-industrialisation decreased the economic viability of its maritime industries. Erie has since transformed itself into a popular tourist destination.
Reading - Founded in 1748, Reading's original industry was iron, which was useful during the Revolutionary War. The Schuylkill Canal connected the city with Philadelphia in the early 19th century, but railroads became more important than that with the Reading Railroad Company, which prospered along with the city through the 19th and into the 20th century. Post-industrialisation forced the Reading Company to close in the 20th century and the city similarly suffered with the decline of the railroad industry. Fortunately, Reading's population decline seems to have ceased.
Scranton - Originally incorporated as a borough in 1856, the city grew rapidly with the coal industry, which also required extensive use of railroads to transport the coal. Coal mining continued through the turn of the century and WWII, but after WWII, coal fell in favour of other fossil fuels. Scranton suffered from post-industrialisation but has since stabilised and revitalised.
Bethlehem - Founded in 1741 as a religious settlement, the city really began to grow a century later with the Bethlehem Steel Company, which was the second largest steel company behind the Pittsburgh's steel. Despite the collapse of the company as a result of post-industrialisation, the city continues to grow rapidly as with the rest of the Lehigh Valley.
Lancaster - In the early 19th century, Lancaster was once the capital of Pennsylvania. Its symbol, a red rose, has connections to the British city of Lancaster, Lancashire in northwestern England. Lancaster and its county is well known for its Amish presence.
Harrisburg - Settled as early as 1719, the city was incorporated in 1791 and remained a small town in the early 19th century even though it was made the state capital in 1812. By the end of the century, though, a growing Harrisburg boasted several industries in iron, steel, and railroads, which all experienced decline in the 20th century as a result of post-industrialisation. Despite this, Harrisburg has been named a good place to live.
Altoona - Founded in 1849, Altoona was born and grew as a railroad city. Interestingly, the name of this city has several claimed origins, with one being derived from Latin to mean "high" and another being named after a place in Germany called Altona. It could also have been derived from All Tuna, a Cherokee name.
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COUNTIES (all 67 of 'em!)
1. Adams County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Gettysburg (7620 people). In an area of 522 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 101,407.
2. Allegheny County was established in 1788 and has its capital at Pittsburgh (305,704 people). In an area of 745 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 1,223,348.
3. Armstrong County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Kittanning (4044 people). In an area of 665 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 68,941.
4. Beaver County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Beaver (4531 people). In an area of 444 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 170,539.
5. Bedford County was established in 1771 and has its capital at Bedford (2841 people). In an area of 1015 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 49,762.
6. Berks County was established in 1752 and has its capital at Reading (87,893 people). In an area of 866 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 411,442.
7. Blair County was established in 1846 and has its capital at Hollidaysburg (5791 people). In an area of 527 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 127,089.
8. Bradford County was established in 1810 and has its capital at Towanda (2919 people). In an area of 1161 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 62,622.
9. Bucks County was established in 1682 and has its capital at Doylestown (8380 people). In an area of 622 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 625,249.
10. Butler County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Butler (13,757 people). In an area of 795 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 183,862.
11. Cambria County was established in 1804 and has its capital at Ebensburg (3351 people). In an area of 693 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 143,679.
12. Cameron County was established in 1860 and has its capital at Emporium (2073 people). In an area of 399 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 5085.
13. Carbon County was established in 1843 and has its capital at Jim Thorpe (4781 people). In an area of 387 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 65,249.
14. Centre County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Bellefonte (6187 people). In an area of 1112 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 153,990.
15. Chester County was established in 1682 and has its capital at West Chester (18,461 people). In an area of 760 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 498,886.
16. Clarion County was established in 1839 and has its capital at Clarion (5276 people). In an area of 609 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 39,988.
17. Clearfield County was established in 1804 and has its capital at Clearfield (6215 people). In an area of 1154 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 81,642.
18. Clinton County was established in 1839 and has its capital at Lock Haven (9772 people). In an area of 898 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 39,238.
19. Columbia County was established in 1813 and has its capital at Bloomsburg (14,855 people). In an area of 490 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 67,295.
20. Crawford County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Meadville (13,388 people). In an area of 1038 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 88,765.
21. Cumberland County was established in 1750 and has its capital at Carlisle (18,682 people). In an area of 551 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 235,406.
22. Dauphin County was established in 1785 and has its capital at Harrisburg (49,528 people). In an area of 558 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 268,100.
23. Delaware County was established in 1789 and has its capital at Media (5327 people). In an area of 191 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 558,979.
24. Elk County was established in 1843 and has its capital at Ridgway (3252 people). In an area of 832 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 31,946.
25. Erie County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Erie (101,786 people). In an area of 799 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 280,566.
26. Fayette County was established in 1783 and has its capital at Uniontown (10,372 people). In an area of 798 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 136,606.
27. Forest County was established in 1848 and has its capital at Tionesta (483 people). In an area of 431 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 7716.
28. Franklin County was established in 1784 and has its capital at Chambersburg (20,268 people). In an area of 771 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 149,618.
29. Fulton County was established in 1850 and has its capital at McConnellsburg (1220 people). In an area of 438 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 14,845.
30. Greene County was established in 1796 and has its capital at Waynesburg (4176 people). In an area of 578 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 38,686.
31. Huntingdon County was established in 1787 and has its capital at Huntingdon (7093 people). In an area of 889 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 45,913.
32. Indiana County was established in 1803 and has its capital at Indiana (13,975 people). In an area of 834 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 88,880.
33. Jefferson County was established in 1804 and has its capital at Brookville (3924 people). In an area of 657 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 45,200.
34. Juniata County was established in 1831 and has its capital at Mifflintown (936 people). In an area of 394 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 24,636.
35. Lackawanna County was established in 1878 and has its capital at Scranton (76,089 people). In an area of 465 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 214,437.
36. Lancaster County was established in 1729 and has its capital at Lancaster (59,322 people). In an area of 984 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 519,445.
37. Lawrence County was established in 1849 and has its capital at New Castle (23,128 people). In an area of 363 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 91,108.
38. Lebanon County was established in 1813 and has its capital at Lebanon (25,477 people). In an area of 363 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 133,568.
39. Lehigh County was established in 1812 and has its capital at Allentown (118,032 people). In an area of 349 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 349,497.
40. Luzerne County was established in 1786 and has its capital at Wilkes-Barre (41,498 people). In an area of 907 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 320,918.
41. Lycoming County was established in 1795 and has its capital at Williamsport (29,381 people). In an area of 1244 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 116,111.
42. McKean County was established in 1804 and has its capital at Smethport (1655 people). In an area of 984 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 43,450.
43. Mercer County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Mercer (2002 people). In an area of 683 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 116,638.
44. Mifflin County was established in 1789 and has its capital at Lewistown (8338 people). In an area of 415 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 46,682.
45. Monroe County was established in 1836 and has its capital at Stroudsburg (5567 people). In an area of 617 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 169,842.
46. Montgomery County was established in 1784 and has its capital at Norristown (34,324 people). In an area of 487 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 799,874.
47. Montour County was established in 1850 and has its capital at Danville (4699 people). In an area of 132 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 18,267.
48. Northampton County was established in 1752 and has its capital at Easton (26,800 people). In an area of 377 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 297,735.
49. Northumberland County was established in 1772 and has its capital at Sunbury (9905 people). In an area of 477 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 94,528.
50. Perry County was established in 1820 and has its capital at New Bloomfield (1247 people). In an area of 556 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 45,969.
51. Philadelphia County was established in 1682 and has its capital at Philadelphia (1,526,006 people). In an area of 143 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 1,526,006.
52. Pike County was established in 1814 and has its capital at Milford (1021 people). In an area of 567 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 57,369.
53. Potter County was established in 1804 and has its capital at Coudersport (2546 people). In an area of 1081 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 17,457.
54. Schuylkill County was established in 1811 and has its capital at Pottsville (14,324 people). In an area of 778 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 148,289.
55. Snyder County was established in 1855 and has its capital at Middleburg (1309 people). In an area of 332 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 39,702.
56. Somerset County was established in 1795 and has its capital at Somerset (6277 people). In an area of 1081 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 77,742.
57. Sullivan County was established in 1847 and has its capital at Laporte (316 people). In an area of 452 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 6428.
58. Susquehanna County was established in 1810 and has its capital at Montrose (1617 people). In an area of 832 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 43,356.
59. Tioga County was established in 1804 and has its capital at Wellsboro (3263 people). In an area of 1137 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 41,981.
60. Union County was established in 1813 and has its capital at Lewisburg (5792 people). In an area of 317 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 44,947.
61. Venango County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Franklin (6545 people). In an area of 683 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 54,984.
62. Warren County was established in 1800 and has its capital at Warren (9710 people). In an area of 898 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 41,815.
63. Washington County was established in 1781 and has its capital at Washington (13,663 people). In an area of 861 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 207,820.
64. Wayne County was established in 1798 and has its capital at Honesdale (4480 people). In an area of 751 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 52,822.
65. Westmoreland County was established in 1773 and has its capital at Greensburg (14,892 people). In an area of 1036 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 365,169.
66. Wyoming County was established in 1842 and has its capital at Tunkhannock (1836 people). In an area of 405 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 28,276.
67. York County was established in 1749 and has its capital at York (43,718 people). In an area of 910 square miles, its population as of 2010 is 434,972.
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