Pennsylvania State Motto

The Origin and Meaning of the Pennsylvania Nicknames
The American citizens who live in, or who come from Pennsylvania, are referred to as Pennsylvanians. The history, origin and meaning of each of the state's nicknames are as follows:

The Keystone State
The official nickname alludes to the importance of a keystone. A keystone is a central wedge in an arch that locks all other pieces of an arch in place. It is the part of an arch that all other parts depend upon and in relation to Pennsylvania can be interpreted as the importance of unity.

The Quaker State
The Quaker nickname refers to William Penn who was famous as a Quaker and the leader and founder of the Pennsylvania Colony. The Quakers called themselves the Society of Friends and the term "Quakers" was applied to the religion to ridicule the way many Quakers shook as they prayed to God. William Penn wanted to call the colony "Sylvania" meaning 'forest land' but King Charles II wanted to recognize Penn's father and insisted it be called "Pennsylvania". Pennsylvania is not, therefore, named after William Penn - it is named after his father.

The Independence State
The Independence nickname is a reference to Independence Hall, a U.S. national landmark located in Philadelphia. William Penn established the city of "Brotherly Love" (or Phil-Adelphia) which was the first planned, and surveyed city in the western hemisphere.

The Coal State
The Coal name is a reference to the importance of the coal mining industry to the region.