Pennsylvania has a long history of industrial and manufacturing firsts. Scranton, in the northeastern part of the state was the first city in America to be electrified. Titusville, Pennsylvania was the birthplace of the oil industry. Iron production first began in this state in 1716 and within 100 years coal was fueling industrial growth.
Manufacturers benefited from all of this industrial development. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh established themselves as hubs. Philadelphia became known for manufacturing textiles, chemicals, metals, furniture and pharmaceuticals. Ship building was one of the first major industries for this port city. The western city of Pittsburgh became known for heavier industries including iron and steel production. It was also the birthplace of the H.J. Heinz Company, makers of the ubiquitous iconic condiment we have all grown to know and love today, Heinz Ketchup.