Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie, Pennsylvania
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Name	Erie, Pennsylvania
Settlement type	City

Erie, Pennsylvania is a city located in northwestern Pennsylvania, situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border. The city is part of the Erie Metropolitan Area and is close to Cleveland, Ohio, Buffalo, New York, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Erie is home to Presque Isle State Park, a popular tourist destination, and is near the Allegheny National Forest. The city is also close to the Lake Erie Islands, including Kelleys Island and South Bass Island.

Geography

Erie is situated in the Erie County, Pennsylvania, near the Lake Erie shoreline, and is bordered by Millcreek Township, Pennsylvania, Fairview Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania, and Harborcreek Township, Pennsylvania. The city's geography is characterized by its location on the Lake Erie Plain, with the Allegheny Plateau to the east. Erie is near the French Creek, which flows into Lake Erie, and is close to the Conneaut Lake, the largest natural lake in Pennsylvania. The city's climate is influenced by its proximity to Lake Erie and the Great Lakes, with cold winters and warm summers, similar to Toledo, Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio, and Buffalo, New York.

History

The area that is now Erie was originally inhabited by the Erie people, a Native American tribe, and was later settled by French colonists, including René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who explored the region in the 17th century. The city was founded in 1795 and was named after the Erie people and the Lake Erie. During the War of 1812, Erie played a significant role, with the Battle of Lake Erie taking place near the city, and the USS Niagara and the USS Lawrence being built in the city's shipyards. The city was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad, with Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass visiting the city. Erie was also home to the Erie Railroad, which connected the city to New York City and Chicago, Illinois.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the city of Erie had a population of over 97,000 people, with a diverse population that includes African Americans, European Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The city is home to a large number of Catholics, with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie being established in 1853, and is also home to a significant number of Lutherans, with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America having a strong presence in the city. Erie is also home to a large number of Polish Americans, with the city hosting the Polish Festival every year, and is close to the Polish-American community in Cleveland, Ohio.

Economy

The economy of Erie is diverse, with major industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The city is home to a number of major employers, including GE Transportation, Erie Insurance Group, and UPMC Hamot. The city is also a major center for tourism, with visitors drawn to the city's Presque Isle State Park, Erie Zoo, and Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Erie is also close to the Lake Erie Wine Country, which includes wineries and vineyards in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The city is also home to a number of small businesses and startups, with the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership providing support for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Culture

Erie has a rich cultural scene, with a number of museums, galleries, and performance venues. The city is home to the Erie Philharmonic, the Erie Art Museum, and the ExpERIEnce Children's Museum. The city also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Erie Blues and Jazz Festival, the Roar on the Shore motorcycle rally, and the Erie County Fair. Erie is also close to the Chautauqua Institution, a summer festival that features music, theater, and dance performances. The city is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Erie Maritime Museum and the Presque Isle Lighthouse.

Education

Erie is home to a number of institutions of higher education, including Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The city is also served by the Erie City School District, which operates a number of public schools in the city, including Erie High School and Strong Vincent Middle School. Erie is also home to a number of private schools, including Cathedral Preparatory School and Mercyhurst Preparatory School. The city is also close to the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville and the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. The city's libraries include the Erie County Public Library and the Blasco Memorial Library.

Category:Cities in Pennsylvania