The earliest known American reference to Groundhog Day can be found at the Historical Society of Berks County in Reading, Pennsylvania. The reference was made Feb. 4, 1841 in Morgantown, Berks County, Pennsylvania storekeeper James Morris' diary: "Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate."

   In the U.S. the tradition derives from a Scottish poem:
      As the light grows longer
      The cold grows stronger
      If Candlemas be fair and bright
      Winter will have another flight
      If Candlemas be cloud and rain
      Winter will be gone and not come again
      A farmer should on Candlemas day
      Have half his corn and half his hay
      On Candlemas day if thorns hang a drop
      You can be sure of a good pea crop

   Famous Prognosticating Groundhogs
Punxsutawney Phil found in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Wiarton Willie found in Wiarton, Ontario
Staten Island Chuck found in New York City, New York
General Beauregard Lee, PhD found in Atlanta, Georgia
Malverne Mel and Malverne Melissa found in Malverne, New York
Brandon Bob of Brandon, Manitoba
Balzac Billy of Balzac, Alberta
Shubenacadie Sam of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia
Gary the Groundhog of Kleinburg, Ontario
Spanish Joe of Spanish, Ontario
Sir Walter Wally of Raleigh, North Carolina
Pardon Me Pete of Tampa, Florida
Jimmy the Groundhog of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Octoraro Orphie of Quarryville, Pennsylvania