1. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
- Prominent figure in the American Revolution and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
- Born in Boston, Massachusetts, but spent much of his life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Served as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and was a signatory of the Declaration of Independence.
- Also known for his scientific contributions and inventions, including the lightning rod and the bifocal eyeglasses.
- First Postmaster General of the United States.
2. William Penn (1644-1718)
- Founder and first Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania.
- Quaker and religious leader who sought to establish a colony based on principles of religious freedom and peace.
- Signed the Treaty of Shackamaxon in 1682 with Native American tribes, establishing peaceful relations.
- Penn's vision for Pennsylvania as a "holy experiment" and "free society" shaped the state's early development and legacy.
3. Betsy Ross (1752-1836)
- American upholsterer credited with sewing the first American flag.
- According to legend, Ross received a visit from George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross in 1776 to discuss the design and creation of the flag.
- Her role in making the flag is disputed by some historians, but she remains an iconic figure in American history and folklore.
4. Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919)
- Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who became one of the richest people in the world.
- Born in Scotland, Carnegie immigrated to the United States as a child and worked in the steel industry.
- Founded the Carnegie Steel Company and became known as a "robber baron" due to his ruthless business practices.
- Later devoted much of his wealth to philanthropy, establishing libraries, schools, and foundations.
5. Mario Cuomo (1932-2015)
- American politician who served as the 52nd Governor of New York from 1983 to 1994.
- Born in New York City, Cuomo had strong ties to Pennsylvania and served as Secretary of State for the Commonwealth from 1975 to 1978.
- Known for his progressive policies and powerful speeches, Cuomo was a prominent figure in Democratic politics and often mentioned as a potential presidential candidate.
These are just a few examples of the many famous Pennsylvania leaders who have made significant contributions to the state's history and culture.
