Pennsylvania Archives facts for kids
The Pennsylvania Archives are a massive set of 138 books. These books contain copies of old letters and important records. They tell the story of Pennsylvania when it was a colony and later a state.
These special books were created between 1838 and 1935. The Pennsylvania legislature decided to publish them. They wanted to save and share important historical documents.
Contents
What's Inside the Pennsylvania Archives?
The Pennsylvania Archives are like a giant time capsule. They hold many different types of historical papers. These documents help us understand life in early Pennsylvania.
Letters and Government Papers
The archives include letters between important government leaders. You can find papers from the Governors of Pennsylvania. These documents show how decisions were made long ago.
Family and Community Records
- Marriage Licenses: Records of marriages before 1810 are kept here. This helps people learn about their family history.
- County Tax Lists: These lists show who owned property and paid taxes. Most of these are from the time of the American Revolution.
- Oaths of Allegiance: These are records of people promising loyalty. Many people took these oaths during the Revolutionary War.
- Ship Lists: These lists name German immigrants who arrived in Pennsylvania. They came during the 1700s, seeking new lives.
Military History Documents
The archives have many records about soldiers. These include lists of people who served in different wars.
- Militia and Continental Muster Rolls: These lists name soldiers from various conflicts. They include the French-Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812.
- Revolutionary Diaries: Some personal diaries from the Revolutionary War are also included. They give us a glimpse into daily life during that time.
Land and Election Records
- Land Records: Documents about land ownership and sales are in the archives. These show how land was settled and divided.
- Election Returns: These records show the results of early elections. They help us understand how people voted and chose their leaders.
Why Are the Pennsylvania Archives Important?
The Pennsylvania Archives are very important for many reasons. They help historians and students learn about the past. They provide facts about how Pennsylvania grew. These records also help people research their family trees. They connect us to the people and events that shaped Pennsylvania.
