Pennsylvania was one of the thirteen original American colonies and became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 12, 1787. The earliest settlers were Swedish in 1643 on Tinicum Island. By 1655 the Dutch seized the settlement, but lost control to the British in 1664. King Charles II of Britain gave the region to William Penn in 1681 and Philadelphia serves as the capital of the colonies during most of the Revolution and of the United States from 1790 to 1800. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776 and the Constitution was signed there in 1787. Due to Pennsylvania's rich history and heritage, many famous attractions abound throughout the state. Including: Independence Hall, the Franklin Institute, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Valley Forge and Gettysburg Historical Sites. Famous Keystone States include: James Buchanan, Andrew Carnegie, Benjamin Franklin, George C. Marshall and Betsy Ross. @
