PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM) — The keystone is both an iconic symbol for Pennsylvania and part of its nickname, but why is Pennsylvania called the Keystone State?
According to PA.gov, “keystone” is an architectural term that refers to the central, wedge-shaped stone in an arch. This stone holds all other stones in the arch in place and is generally considered the most crucial part of an arch.
Pennsylvania holds the nickname “the Keystone State” because of its historic geographic, economic, and political position during the early days of the nation.
The keystone can be seen in Pennsylvania state agency logos which are printed on road signs, billboards, and more across the Commonwealth.
In this Nov. 23, 2015, photo, a “Deer Hunter Focus Area” sign is at the edge of a parking area at Pennsylvania state game lands 74 in Fisher, Pa. The Pennsylvania Game Commission hopes by establishing more than 30 of these areas across the state, they will draw more hunters to spots where theyre likely to see more deer when rifle season opens Monday (Nov. 29). Meanwhile, game commission foresters are hoping hunters will kill enough deer to safeguard the rebounding forest vegetation meant to attract deer to the focus areas in the first place. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) 
Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary, Dr. Latika Davis-Jones, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, and Harry Cunnane, who is celebrating his 10th year in recovery, discuss their family’s experience with substance use disorder and spread awareness that recovery is possible with the right treatment and support. Pictured here is a moment from the event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. September 11, 2023. 
But while the Keystone State was founded in 1787, its iconic symbol is far older.
According to Arizona State University, the Roman civilization was the first to use the keystone, also called a capstone, in arches between 1000 B.C.E. and 500 C.E.
Nowadays they keystone can also be found on the sleeves of Pennsylvania State Police and other state government officials.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) joined the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and safety partners to urge motorists to celebrate responsibly ahead of the Labor Day holiday. Pictured here is a moment from their joint event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. August 30, 2023. 
The Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Health gathered at the Day Use Area at Colonel Denning State Park to highlight the state’s tick surveillance program, offer tips on how residents can protect themselves from tick bites, and give guidance on what to do if bitten by a tick. Pictured here is a moment from the event. Newville, Pennsylvania. June 23, 2023.
