Erie, Pennsylvania

{{Main|History of Erie, Pennsylvania}}

File:Battle erie.jpg in the War of 1812, a key event in Erie's history]]

Indigenous peoples occupied the shoreline and bluffs in this area for thousands of years, taking advantage of the rich resources. Sommerheim Park Archaeological District in Millcreek Township, west of the city, includes artifacts from the Archaic period in the Americas and the early and middle Woodland Period, roughly a span from 8,000 BCE to 500 CE.{{Cite web |title=historic resources protection plan for the Lake Erie Coastal Zone as part of the implementation of the Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Program |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CZIC-f157-e6-w65-1983-pt-1/html/CZIC-f157-e6-w65-1983-pt-1.htm |access-date=April 15, 2021 |website=govinfo.gov}}

Europeans first arrived as settlers in the region when the French constructed Fort Presque Isle near present-day Erie in 1753, as part of their effort to defend New France against the encroaching British colonists. The name of the fort refers to the peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, now protected as Presque Isle State Park. The French term presque-isle means "almost an island". When the French abandoned the fort in 1760 during the French and Indian War in the Seven Years' War, it was the last post they held west of Niagara River. The British established a garrison at the fort at Presque Isle that same year, three years before the end of the French and Indian War.History of Erie County, p. 503.

Erie is in what was the disputed Erie Triangle, a tract of land comprising 202,187 acres in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania fronting Lake Erie that was claimed after the American Revolutionary War by the newly formed states of New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, as part of its Western Reserve, and Massachusetts.

{{Further|Pennsylvania in the American Revolution}}

The Iroquois claimed ownership of present-day Erie. On January 9, 1789, a conference was arranged during which representatives from the Iroquois signed a deed relinquishing their ownership of the land{{cite book |last1=Miller |first1=John |title=A Twentieth Century History of Erie County, Pennsylvania |url=https://archive.org/details/twentiethcentury01mill_0 |date=1909 |publisher=Lewis Publishing Company |page=[https://archive.org/details/twentiethcentury01mill_0/page/n81 60]}} in exchange for $2,000 from Pennsylvania and $1,200 from the federal government. Seneca Nation separately settled land claims against Pennsylvania in February 1791 for the sum of $800. It became a part of Pennsylvania on March 3, 1792, after Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York relinquished their rights to the land and sold the land to Pennsylvania for 75 cents per acre or a total of $151,640.25 in continental certificates.Nelson, pp. 103−104.

The General Assembly of Pennsylvania commissioned the surveying of land near Presque Isle through an act passed on April 18, 1795. Andrew Ellicott, who completed Pierre Charles L'Enfant's survey of Washington, D.C., and helped resolve the boundary between Pennsylvania and New York, arrived to begin the survey and lay out the plan for the city in June 1795. The initial settlement of the area began that year.History of Erie County, pp 505−506. Lt. Colonel Seth Reed and his family moved to the Erie area from Geneva, New York; they were Yankees from Uxbridge, Massachusetts. They became the first European-American settlers of Erie in present-day Presque Isle.

{{Further|Battle of Lake Erie|Pennsylvania in the American Civil War}}

President James Madison began the construction of a naval fleet during the War of 1812 to gain control of the Great Lakes from the British. Daniel Dobbins of Erie and Noah Brown of Boston were notable shipbuilders who led the construction of four schooner−rigged gunboats and two brigs. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry arrived from Rhode Island and led the squadron to success in the historic Battle of Lake Erie."History of Erie County", pp. 299, 306.

Erie was an important shipbuilding, fishing, and railroad hub during the mid-19th century. The city was the site where three sets of track gauges met. While the delays engendered cargo troubles for commerce and travel, they provided much-needed local jobs in Erie. When a national standardized gauge was proposed, those jobs, and the importance of the rail hub itself, were put in jeopardy. In an event known as the Erie Gauge War, the citizens of Erie, led by the mayor, set fire to bridges, ripped up tracks, and rioted to try to stop the standardization.{{Cite book |last=Rhodes |first=James Ford |author-link=James Ford Rhodes |title=History of the United States from the compromise of 1850 |year=1900 |publisher=Harper & Brothers |location=New York, New York |url=https://archive.org/details/historyunitedst20rhodgoog |volume=3 |page=[https://archive.org/details/historyunitedst20rhodgoog/page/n41 21]}}

File:Erie, Pennsylvania 1922.jpg

On August 3, 1915, the Mill Creek flooded downtown Erie. A culvert, or a tunnel, was blocked by debris and collapsed.{{cite web |title=Erie's Blackest Day & Other Accounts of Phenomenal Weather |date=October 2008 |publisher=Erie County Historical Society |url=http://www.eriecountyhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/eriesblackestday3.pdf |access-date=August 29, 2010 |page=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724184032/http://www.eriecountyhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/eriesblackestday3.pdf |archive-date=July 24, 2011}} A four-block reservoir, caused by torrential downpours, had formed behind it. The resulting deluge destroyed 225 houses and killed 36 people. After the flood, Mayor Miles Brown Kitts had the Mill Creek directed into another, larger culvert, constructed underneath more than {{Convert|2|mi}} of the city, before emptying into Presque Isle Bay on the city's lower east side.

Erie continued to grow for the first half of the 20th century, due to its strong manufacturing base. The city attracted numerous waves of European immigrants for industrial jobs. Erie was considered a wet city during the Prohibition Era in the United States. The city's economy began to suffer in the latter part of the 20th century as industrial restructuring took place and jobs moved out of the area. The Erie region is considered to be part of the Rust Belt. The importance of American manufacturing, US steel and coal production, and commercial fishing began to gradually decline,{{cite web |publisher=City-data.com |url=http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-Northeast/Erie-History.html |title=Erie Detailed History |access-date=June 22, 2007}} resulting in a major population downturn in the 1970s.

With the advent of the automobile age after World War II and government subsidies for highway construction, thousands of residents left Erie for suburbs such as Millcreek Township, which now has 55,000 residents. This caused a decline in downtown retail businesses, some of which followed to the suburbs. Reflecting this perceived decline, Erie is occasionally referred to by residents as "The Mistake on the Lake" or "Dreary Erie".{{cite web |date=October 1, 2013 |title=From the Editors |url=http://www.eriereader.com/article/from-the-editors-37 |work=ErieReader.com |publisher=Flagship Multimedia, Inc |access-date=December 17, 2013 |quote=We complain about the weather. Or that there's no culture here. Or that Erie's just plain ugly. The mistake on the lake. Dreary Erie. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219001205/http://www.eriereader.com/article/from-the-editors-37 |archive-date=December 19, 2013}}

• {{cite web |author=Miller, Jamie Lynn |date=December 2013 |title=A Cactus Story |url=http://www.saltmagazinenc.com/?page_id=517 |work=SaltMagazine.com |access-date=December 17, 2013 |quote=Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania — Dreary Erie, says Ron, the Mistake on the Lake — his nursing career led him to Kentucky ... |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219022722/http://www.saltmagazinenc.com/?page_id=517 |archive-date=December 19, 2013}}
• {{cite web |author=Wheaton, Kristan J. |date=June 21, 2013 |title=Erie's top competitor? The answer may surprise you |url=http://www.iismu.org/news-and-events/eries-top-competitor-answer-may-surprise-you |work=IISMU.org |publisher=Institute for Intelligence Studies At Mercyhurst University |access-date=December 17, 2013 |quote=No, for us it is 'dreary Erie' or 'the mistake on the lake.' We don't talk, much less brag, about how we've changed and adapted to a difficult and complex world ... |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710180832/http://www.iismu.org/news-and-events/eries-top-competitor-answer-may-surprise-you |archive-date=July 10, 2013}} Downtown Erie has undergone a resurgence in the early 2020s with the opening of Flagship City Food Hall and Flagship City Public Market.{{Cite web|url=https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/watch-flagship-city-food-hall-now-open/|title=Watch: Flagship City Food Hall now open|date=November 22, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.eriereader.com/article/flagship-city-public-market-opens|title=Flagship City Public Market Opens|first=Erie|last=Reader|website=www.eriereader.com}}

Erie won the All-America City Award in 1972 and was a finalist in 1961, 1994, 1995, and 2009.{{Cite news |last=Frederick |first=Robb |title=Erie falls in award contest |newspaper=Erie Times-News |date=June 20, 2009 |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090620/NEWS02/306199871 |access-date=November 22, 2009 |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630065559/http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090620/NEWS02/306199871 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Past Winners of the All-America City Award |publisher=National Civic League |year=2011 |access-date=February 3, 2011 |url=http://www.allamericacityaward.com/past-winners-of-the-all-america-city-award |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717070153/http://www.allamericacityaward.com/past-winners-of-the-all-america-city-award |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 17, 2012}} In 2012, Erie hosted the Perry 200,{{cite news |last1=Speggen |first1=Ben |title=Out of the Mist: The Perry 200 Commemoration Begins |volume=2 |url=http://www.eriereader.com/article/out-of-the-mist-the-perry-200-commemoration-begins |access-date=January 1, 2017 |publisher=Erie Reader |issue=9 |date=May 2, 2012 |ref=84}} a commemoration celebrating 200 years of peace between Britain, America, and Canada following the War of 1812 and Battle of Lake Erie.

{{Panorama

| image = File:Erie PA Panorama c1912 LOC 6a14402u.jpg

| height = 150

| caption = Panorama of downtown Erie in 1912 looking West along the 15th Street tracks; the tallest steeple to the north of the tracks is St. Peter Cathedral.

| alt =

}}

File:Mill Creek in City downstream from 38th.jpg passes through much of Erie, including the grounds of the Erie Zoo.]]

Erie is situated in Northwestern Pennsylvania at {{Coord|42|6|52|N|80|4|34|W|type:city}} (42.114507, -80.076213),{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=April 23, 2011 |date=February 12, 2011 |title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}} on the southern shore of Lake Erie across from the Canadian province of Ontario. It is {{convert|100|mi}} northeast of Cleveland, Ohio, {{Convert|90|mi}} southwest of Buffalo, New York, and {{convert|128|mi}} north of Pittsburgh. Erie's bedrock is Devonian shale and siltstone, overlain by glacial tills and stratified drift. Stream drainage in the city flows northward into Lake Erie, then through Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River, and out to the Atlantic Ocean. South of Erie is a drainage divide, beyond which most of the streams in western Pennsylvania flow south into the Allegheny or Ohio Rivers.{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/pub/generalgeology/G32/G32.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031230145939/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/pub/GeneralGeology/G32/G32.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 30, 2003 |title=General Geology Report 32 |access-date=November 2, 2007 |publisher=Pennsylvania Geological Survey}} Lake Erie is about {{convert|571|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} above sea level, while the city of Erie is about {{convert|728|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} above sea level.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|49.9|sqkm|order=flip}}, with {{convert|49.4|sqkm|order=flip}} being land and the remaining {{Convert|0.5|sqkm|order=flip|1}}, or 1.03%, being water.{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US4224000 |title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Erie city, Pennsylvania |work=American Factfinder |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=March 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213065240/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US4224000 |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=dead}} Presque Isle State Park (referred to by locals as "the Peninsula" or simply "the beach"), is a recurving sandspit peninsula that stretches north into Lake Erie, providing a fine, natural harbor for Erie and offers {{convert|7|mi|0}} of public beaches, wetlands, and fishing sites.

Erie fronts Presque Isle Bay and is laid out in a grid surrounding Perry Square in the downtown area.{{Cite map |title=City of Erie, Erie County |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Transportation |date=December 1, 2005 |format=PDF |series=Type 5C |url=http://www.dot7.state.pa.us/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/Type5/25302.pdf}} The downtown area is separated from the waterfront by the Bayfront Parkway. The tallest structure in Erie is St. Peter Cathedral at {{convert|265|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}, and the tallest building is Renaissance Centre at {{convert|198|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}. Historically, Erie had numerous ethnic neighborhoods, including Little Italy, which is located on Erie's west side, featuring the West 18th Street commercial corridor. South of 38th Street, the grid gives way to curvilinear roads of post-1970 suburban development. Millcreek Township and upper Peach Street in Summit Township include the Erie metropolitan area's newer developments.

Post-industrial redevelopment of Erie's waterfront aimed at recreational and tourism uses include the Bayfront Parkway, Niagara Pier, Perry's Landing Marina, Liberty Park & Amphitheater, Bayfront Convention Center, hotels, and Dobbins Landing, which features the Bicentennial Tower at its northern end. On the east side of the bayfront, the Erie Maritime Museum and the Erie County main library (third-largest in Pennsylvania), host the USS Niagara. Docks and marinas fill the freshwater shoreline in between.

Under the Köppen climate classification, Erie falls within either a hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa) if the {{convert|0|°C}} isotherm is used or a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) if the {{convert|-3|°C}} isotherm is used. It is located in the snow belt that stretches from Cleveland to Syracuse and Watertown; winters are moderately cold, with heavy lake-effect snow, but also with occasional stretches of mild weather that cause accumulated snow to melt. The city experiences a full range of weather events, including snow, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. The city's lakeside location helps to temper summer heat, with an average of 4 days with highs at or above {{convert|90|°F|0}} annually, and the highest temperature ever recorded was {{convert|100|°F|0}} on June 25, 1988. An average of 3 days have lows of {{convert|0|°F|0}} or colder annually, and the lowest temperature ever recorded was {{convert|−18|°F|0}} on January 19, 1994, and February 16, 2015.

Erie is third on The Daily Beast{{'}}s list of snowiest places in the United States, averaging {{convert|78.7|in|cm}};{{cite web |date=December 27, 2010 |work=The Daily Beast |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-12-27/americas-20-snowiest-cities-from-denver-to-duluth-buffalo-to-billings |title=America's 20 Snowiest Cities, from Denver to Duluth, Buffalo to Billings |access-date=December 29, 2010}} however, the 1981–2010 normal seasonal snowfall is {{convert|100.8|in|cm|0}}. Average annual snowfall in the decade 2010-2019 was {{convert|100.7|in|cm|0}}.{{cite web |title=Erie PA Snowfall Totals & Snow Accumulation Averages - Current Results |url=https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/Pennsylvania/Places/erie-snowfall-totals-snow-accumulation-averages.php |website=currentresults.com |access-date=May 23, 2021}} The adverse winter conditions caused USAir Flight 499 to overrun the runway at Erie International Airport on February 21, 1986, and caused whiteouts that were responsible for a 50-car pile-up on Interstate 90 on January 25, 2007.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=January 26, 2007 |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-01-25-penn-pileup_x.htm |title=50-car pileup on snowy Erie highway |access-date=May 29, 2007}}{{cite web |publisher=National Transportation Safety Board |url=https://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20001213X32835&key=1 |title=Accident Report |access-date=May 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929124133/https://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief.asp?ev_id=20001213X32835&key=1 |archive-date=September 29, 2007}}

The coldest maximum temperature on record was {{convert|-4|F|C}} in 1994 and the average coldest maximum between 1991 and 2020 was {{convert|13|F|C}}. The warmest overnight low on record was {{convert|82|F|C}} once in 1918 and another time during the 1936 North American heat wave. On average, the warmest low of the year is {{convert|75|F|C}}.

On December 24 and 25, 2017, Erie received {{convert|53|in|cm|0}} of snowfall, breaking a record for the largest two-day snowfall anywhere in Pennsylvania.Craig, Tim (December 26, 2017). "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/12/26/record-setting-christmas-storm-buries-pennsylvanias-fourth-largest-under-more-than-4-feet-of-snow/ Record-setting Christmas storm buries Pennsylvania's fourth largest city under more than 4 feet of snow]". The Washington Post.Fritz, Angela (December 26, 2017). "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/12/26/how-this-pennsylvania-city-got-more-than-4-feet-of-snow-in-just-30-hours/ How this Pennsylvania city got more than 4 feet of snow in just 30 hours]". The Washington Post. By the close of the 2017–2018 snow season, Erie had recorded {{convert|198.5|in|m|abbr=on}} of snow, its snowiest season on record, breaking the previous record of {{convert|149.1|in|m|abbr=on}} inches set in 2000–2001 by a large margin.

The hardiness zone is now 7a along the lakeshore and 6b in the remainder of the city. [https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/]

{{Erie, Pennsylvania weatherbox}}

{{Main|Demographics of Erie, Pennsylvania}}

{{US Census population

|1800= 81

|1810= 394

|1820= 635

|1830= 1465

|1840= 3412

|1850= 5858

|1860= 9419

|1870= 19646

|1880= 27737

|1890= 40634

|1900= 52733

|1910= 66525

|1920= 93372

|1930= 115967

|1940= 116955

|1950= 130803

|1960= 138440

|1970= 129231

|1980= 119123

|1990= 108718

|2000= 103717

|2010= 101786

|2020= 94831

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 28, 2013|author-link=United States Census Bureau}}{{cite web|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=P1_001N,NAME&for=place:*&in=state:42&key=5ccd0821c15d9f4520e2dcc0f8d92b2ec9336108|title=Census Population API|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 12, 2022}}

}}

{{Expand section|examples with reliable citations|date=September 2021}}

As of the 2010 United States Census, 101,786 people,{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |title=Erie city, Pennsylvania |date=November 15, 2016 |website=United States Census Bureau |access-date=February 18, 2018}} 40,913 households, and 22,915 families were residing in the city.[http://www.usa.com/erie-pa-population-and-races.htm Erie, PA Population and Races] USA.com. Retrieved October 3, 2013 Its 44,790 housing units averaged a vacancy rate of 8%. Erie has long been declining in population due to the departure of factories and dependent businesses.{{cite web |publisher=City-data.com |url=http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-Northeast/Erie-Population-Profile.html |title=Erie Population Profile |access-date=June 28, 2007}} The city has lost about 40,000 people since the early 1960s, allowing Allentown to claim the position as Pennsylvania's third-largest city behind Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Erie's population was spread evenly among all age groups, with the median being 34. About 13% of families and 19% of the population were below the poverty line. Most of the people who reside in Erie are of European descent.{{cite web |publisher=helloerie.com |url=http://www.helloerie.com/Social.cfm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930031648/http://www.helloerie.com/Social.cfm |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |title=Erie Social and Demographic Information |access-date=May 21, 2007}}

Since the 1980s, the International Institute of Erie (IIE), founded in 1919, has helped with the resettlement of refugees from Bosnia, Eritrea, Ghana, Iraq, Kosovo, Liberia, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Romania, Russia, Syria, and Vietnam. The inclusion of refugees in Erie's community augments religious diversity and prompts community events such as cultural festivals.{{cite web |publisher=International Institute of Erie |url=http://www.interinsterie.org |title=International Institute of Erie−Home |access-date=June 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070531184242/http://www.interinsterie.org/ |archive-date=May 31, 2007}}

File:Mercyhurst2.jpg influence is broadly present in Erie, including at Mercyhurst University.]]

In the early 20th century, Erie had a significant community of Russian immigrants, many of whom worked in shipbuilding along the bayfront. Unusual for a Great Lakes city, a substantial number of these Russian immigrants were priestless (Bespopovtsy) Old Believers. In 1983, most of this community united with the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, and Father Pimen Simon became an Old Ritualist priest within the canonical Eastern Orthodox Church.{{Cite web |url=http://www.churchofthenativity.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid=57 |title=Church of the Nativity: Our Parish. Retrieved 6-23-2008 |access-date=June 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009152511/http://www.churchofthenativity.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=147&Itemid=57 |archive-date=October 9, 2008 |url-status=dead}} Even today, the gold-domed Church of the Nativity,{{cite web |url=http://www.churchofthenativity.net |title=Church of the Nativity |access-date=May 25, 2007}} on the bayfront near the former heart of the Russian community, is an Old Ritualist church and home parish to the famed iconographer Fr. Theodore Jurewicz.{{cite web |title=Russian Orthodox Bishops |url=http://www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws/english/pages/firsttier/diocesesbishops.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070518075257/http://www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws/english/pages/firsttier/diocesesbishops.html |archive-date=May 18, 2007 |access-date=May 26, 2007 |website=Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia}}

The Erie Jewish community is more than 150 years old. As of 2021, Temple Anshe Hesed, a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, was served by its spiritual leader, Rabbi Robert Morais.{{cite web |url=https://anshehesederie.org/rabbi/ |title=Our Rabbi - Temple Anshe Hesed |access-date=April 12, 2021 }} Congregation Brith Sholom (Jewish Center) is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and Rabbi Leonard Lifshen has been its spiritual leader since 1989.{{Cn|date=May 2024}}

Erie is home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, covering 13 counties; at {{Convert|9936|sqmi|sqkm|0|abbr=on}}, it is the largest in the state in area. Its diocesan seat is Saint Peter Cathedral in Erie, which has a {{convert|265|ft|m|adj=on|abbr=on}} central tower flanked by two {{convert|150|ft|m|adj=on|abbr=on}} towers. Since October 1, 2012, Lawrence T. Persico has been the bishop of Erie; Donald Trautman was the bishop emeritus of the diocese until his death in 2022.{{Cite news |last=Massing |first=Dana |date=August 1, 2012 |title=New Catholic bishop named for Erie |newspaper=Erie Times-News |url=http://goerie.com/article/20120801/NEWS02/307319923/New-Catholic-bishop-named-for-Erie |access-date=August 1, 2012 |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824002312/http://www.goerie.com/article/20120801/NEWS02/307319923/New-Catholic-bishop-named-for-Erie |url-status=dead }}

According to the Association of Religion Data Archives,{{cite web |url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/counties/42049_2000.asp |title=County Membership Report: Erie County, Pennsylvania |website=The Association of Religion Data Archives |year=2000 |access-date=May 17, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310212127/http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/counties/42049_2000.asp |archive-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=dead}} Erie County had a total population of 280,843 in 2000, of which 103,333 claimed affiliation with the Catholic Church, 40,301 with mainline Protestant houses of worship, and 12,980 with evangelical Protestant churches.

{{Main|Economy of Erie, Pennsylvania}}

File:Eriefactory01.jpg

Erie is Pennsylvania's primary access point to Lake Erie, the Great Lakes, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. The city emerged as a maritime center after the American Revolution, then as a railroad hub during the great American westward expansion. Erie became an important city for iron and steel manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution and thrived well into the 20th century with firms such as Griswold Manufacturing, once the leader in cast-iron cookware.

Since the decline of large manufacturers in the later 20th century, a more diverse mix of midsized industries has emerged. This broader economic base includes smaller and more agile steel and plastic plants (with about 10% of tooling and molding located in the tri-state area) and vigorous service sectors: health, insurance, and tourism. The ZIP code 16501 covering some of the downtown areas is considered one of the poorest neighborhoods in the country.{{Cite web |title=Erie leaders urge Biden administration to continue Opportunity Zone program |url=https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/43374570/erie-leaders-urge-biden-administration-to-continue-opportunity-zone-program |access-date=April 16, 2021 |website=erienewsnow.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2019 |title=How America's Poorest ZIP Code Is Attracting OZ Capital, with EDDC |url=https://opportunityzones.com/2019/10/erie-055/ |access-date=April 16, 2021 |website=OpportunityDb |language=en-US}}

Erie is the corporate headquarters of the Erie Insurance Group and Marquette Savings Bank. Lord Corporation was founded and has major operations in Erie.{{cite web |last=McNeel |first=Rick |url=http://www.lord.com/our-company/history.xml |publisher=Lord Corporation |title=Lord History |access-date=May 25, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227083231/http://www.lord.com/Our-Company/History.xml |archive-date=December 27, 2010}} Along with WABTEC and Erie Insurance, major employers in the county include the county, state, and federal governments, as well as the Erie City School District.{{cite web |title=Erie County, Top 50 Employers |date=September 24, 2010 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry |location=Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |url=http://www.paworkstats.state.pa.us/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/erie_t50.pdf |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5wGM4bpjQ?url=http://www.paworkstats.state.pa.us/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/erie_t50.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2011 |access-date=February 2, 2011}}

Over 10% of the nation's plastics are manufactured or finished in Erie-based plastics plants. Erie is an emerging center for biofuels and environmental research, producing over {{Convert|45|e6USgal|e6L|abbr=unit}} of biofuel a year.{{cite news |last=Carroll |first=Jim |newspaper=Erie Times-News |date=July 6, 2006 |title=Biodiesel could fuel economy |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060706/NEWS02/607060400&SearchID=73286058459115 |access-date=July 2, 2007}} Tourism plays an increasingly important role in the local economy with over 4 million people visiting Presque Isle State Park and other attractions annually. Shoppers from Ohio, New York, and the Canadian province of Ontario are drawn to the Millcreek Mall and Peach Street stores and attractions by Pennsylvania's tax exemption on clothing.{{Cn|date=May 2024}}

UPMC Hamot and Saint Vincent Health System are also major employers in Erie. Once stand-alone Erie entities, Hamot merged with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2011{{Cite news |last=Bruce |first=David |title=Erie hospital now officially UPMC Hamot |date=February 2, 2011 |newspaper=Erie Times-News |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011302019912 |access-date=February 2, 2011 |archive-date=July 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702093116/http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011302019912 |url-status=dead }} and Saint Vincent affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic in 2012{{Cite news |last=Bruce |first=David |title=Saint Vincent to affiliate with Cleveland Clinic |date=October 23, 2012 |newspaper=Erie Times-News |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20121023/NEWS02/310229883/Saint-Vincent-to-affiliate-with-Cleveland-Clinic |access-date=January 17, 2014 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726060126/https://www.goerie.com/article/20121023/NEWS02/310229883/Saint-Vincent-to-affiliate-with-Cleveland-Clinic |url-status=dead }} and merged with Highmark's Allegheny Health Network the following year.{{Cite news |last=Bruce |first=David |title=Highmark, Saint Vincent formally announce deal |date=July 10, 2013 |newspaper=Erie Times-News |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130710/NEWS02/307109954/-1/NEWSSITEMAP |access-date=January 17, 2014}} The United States Department of Veterans Affairs operates the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center on East 38th Street. The Shriners International has operated Shriners Hospital for Children in Erie since 1927.{{cite web |title=Imagine America Foundation |url=http://www.imagine-america.org/photo-gallery/erie-business-center |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829081229/http://www.imagine-america.org/photo-gallery/erie-business-center |archive-date=August 29, 2013}}

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is a fast-growing educator and provider of healthcare in the city. LECOM is located in the city and in adjacent Millcreek Township.

File:Flagship-Niagara-Dobbins-Landing-Erie-July4-2009.jpg and the Niagara]]

The Erie Art Museum is the city's main art gallery, located in the Old Customshouse on State Street. Its collection has an emphasis on folk art and modern art and it hosts a popular blues and jazz concert series. The museum also works on public art projects to revitalize and improve the city. In 2000, it created a project entitled GoFish, similar to CowParade; 95 fiberglass fish were decorated by Erie artists and placed throughout the city. Patrons paid $3,000 for a fish and the proceeds went to Gannon University's scholarship fund and the Erie Public Art endowment fund.{{cite web |last=Hubert |first=Tom |title=Baked Fish |url=http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/6037130/baked-fish |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304174410/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/6037130/baked-fish |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 4, 2013 |work=Ceramics Monthly |access-date=September 27, 2012}} The Erie Art Museum created a similar public art project in 2004 that involved frogs rather than fish.{{cite book |last=Paris |first=Vanessa W. |title=LeapFrog! the Ribbitting Tale: 2004 Lake Erie Art Project |year=2004 |publisher=Erie Art Museum |location=Erie, Pennsylvania |isbn=978-0-9709282-8-3}} In 2012, the Erie Art Museum began a project to create 40 artistic and functional bike racks, designed and created by local artists.{{cite news |last=Erwin |first=Erica |title=Erie Art Museum unveils latest public art project |url=http://www.goerie.com/article/20120914/NEWS02/309139868/Erie-Art-Museum-unveils-latest-public-art-project |access-date=September 28, 2012 |newspaper=Erie Times-News |date=September 14, 2012 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726043834/https://www.goerie.com/article/20120914/NEWS02/309139868/Erie-Art-Museum-unveils-latest-public-art-project |url-status=dead }} The museum intends to add color and interest to downtown Erie and to promote bicycling, encourage healthy lifestyles, and provide environmental awareness.{{cite web |title=Bike Rack Public Art |url=http://www.erieartmuseum.org/exhibits/public_art/BikeRack_PublicArt/BikeRackPublicArt.html |publisher=Erie Art Museum |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727102620/http://www.erieartmuseum.org/exhibits/public_art/BikeRack_PublicArt/BikeRackPublicArt.html |archive-date=July 27, 2013}}

The Erie Maritime Museum commemorates and explains Erie's significance during the War of 1812; it is home to the USS Brig Niagara, a modern recreation of the 1813 USS Niagara that served as Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's relief flagship during the Battle of Lake Erie.{{Cite book|title=Erie Maritime Museum and U.S. Brig Niagara|last=Magoc|first=Chris J.|publisher=Stackpole Books & Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission|year=2001|isbn=0-811727564|pages=33}}

File:Warner Theatre Erie Front 2007.jpg]]

Erie is home to several professional and amateur performing arts groups. The most significant is the Erie Philharmonic, in existence since 1913 (except an interregnum during World War II). This group of professional musicians also has a full chorus and a junior philharmonic division that tours the area. The Lake Erie Ballet is a professional company that performs well-known programs throughout the year.{{cite web |url=http://www.lakeerieballet.org |title=Lake Erie Ballet |access-date=May 25, 2007}} The Erie Civic Music Association attracts, sponsors, and books performances by professional musicians, singers, entertainers, and ensembles from around the world.{{cite web |url=http://www.eriecivicmusic.com/ |title=Erie Civic Music Association |access-date=May 25, 2007}}

Downtown Erie's historic and ornate Warner Theatre hosts a range of performances. Renovated in the 1980s and again in 2007,{{cite web |publisher=WSEE-TV |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070323/WSEE01/70322036&SearchID=73279381497185 |title=Warner Renovations Unveiled |date=March 23, 2007 |access-date=May 21, 2007}} the Warner is the hub of Erie's Civic Center. The downtown area is the home of the Erie Playhouse, one of the leading community theaters in the country, and the third-oldest community theater in the U.S.{{Cite book |author=Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau |title=ERIE 2007–2008 All Seasons Visitors Guide |place=Erie |year=2007}} Erie is also home to several other community theatres, including Dramashop, PACA, and All an Act Theatre. In addition to regular performances, Erie has many festivals including motorcycle rallies. Since 2007, the annual Roar on the Shore motorcycle rally has taken place in Erie, although in 2019, it moved to the Lake Erie Speedway.

Presque Isle Downs & Casino opened on February 28, 2007, and was the fourth slots parlor in the state and the first in Western Pennsylvania.{{Cite news |last1=Miller |first1=George |last2=Thompson |first2=Lisa |title=$8.9 million take |date=March 2, 2007 |newspaper=Erie Times-News |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070302/NEWS02/703020365 |access-date=February 3, 2011}} Table games opened at the casino on July 8, 2010.{{Cite news |last=Guerriero |first=John |title=Table games and equipment arrives at Presque Isle Downs |date=June 22, 2011 |newspaper=Erie Times-News |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100622/NEWS02/306219928/-1/ETN |access-date=February 3, 2011}}

Erie is home to The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, ten-time Drum Corps International World Champion as of 2023. The Cadets entered a long-term partnership with the Erie Sports Center in February 2023, prompting them to move all operations of Cadets Arts & Entertainment, Inc. to Erie.{{Cite web |title=Erie Sports Center to Become Permanent Home for The Cadets Drum Corps |url=https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/48381432/erie-sports-center-to-become-permanent-home-for-the-cadets-drum-corps |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=www.erienewsnow.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=The Cadets Announce Move to Erie, Pa. {{!}} The Cadets - A World Champion Drum Corps |url=https://cadets.org/cadets-announce-move-erie-pa |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=cadets.org}}

Erie has been the location for many movies; for example, it is the hometown of the fictional band The Wonders in That Thing You Do! featuring Tom Hanks. Erie is the hometown of Train lead singer Patrick Monahan and of Marc Brown, the author and illustrator of Arthur books and TV series.

File:Brig Niagara behind museum.jpg, the Niagara, and the Main Library]]

There are five Erie County library system branches in Erie and a bookmobile.{{Cite web|url=https://erielibrary.org/services/facilities/|title=Facilities – Erie County Public Library|date=September 2, 2010|website=erielibrary.org}} The Main Library opened in 1996,{{cite web |publisher=Erie's Libraries |url=http://www.erielibrary.org/library-info-2/history-of-the-library/ |title=History of the Library |access-date=February 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224225929/http://www.erielibrary.org/library-info-2/history-of-the-library/ |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |url-status=dead}} and is the third-largest library in Pennsylvania.{{cite web |publisher=City of Erie |url=http://www.ci.erie.pa.us/AboutErie/Facts/tabid/80/Default.aspx |title=Raymond M. Blasco Library |access-date=May 21, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808225109/http://www.ci.erie.pa.us/AboutErie/Facts/tabid/80/Default.aspx |archive-date=August 8, 2007}} It is connected to the Erie Maritime Museum, and has waterfront views of the Presque Isle Bay. The Main Library contains an art collection and provides internet access to patrons.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2016/09/a-waterfront-library/498665/ |title=This Seaport is Now a Library, but It's Still a Portal to the World |website=The Atlantic |date=September 5, 2016}} The four remaining libraries are the Edinboro Branch Library, Iroquois Avenue Branch Library, Lincoln Community Center Branch Library, and Millcreek Branch Library.

Along West 6th Street is Millionaires Row, a collection of 19th-century Victorian mansions. The John Hill House is one of the notable residences. First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, a well-known landmark, is also located here. The Watson-Curtze Mansion, one of the most notable residences on this street, is also home to the Erie County Historical Society.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eriehistory.org/|title=Hagen History Center - Home|website=Hagen History Center}} Permanent and rotating exhibits showcase the life of some of Erie's influential founders and the development of Erie.

The Erie Land Light stands at the foot of Lighthouse Street.{{cite web |publisher=The National Park Service |url=http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/erieland.htm |title=Inventory of Historic Light Stations Pennsylvania Lighthouses−Erie Land Lighthouse |access-date=May 30, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901221638/http://www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/erieland.htm |archive-date=September 1, 2013}} The lighthouse was built in 1818 and replaced in 1867.

The Bicentennial Tower, on Dobbins Landing at the foot of State Street, was built in 1995−96 to celebrate the city's bicentennial. It is {{convert|187|ft|m|abbr=on}} tall and gives a panoramic view of Lake Erie and downtown. The Blasco Library and Erie Maritime Museum are its neighbors to the east.

{{Main|Sports in Erie, Pennsylvania}}

File:ErieUht.jpg, home of the Erie SeaWolves, pictured from the first-base side overlooking downtown Erie]]

Erie plays host to several semi-professional and professional sports teams. The Erie SeaWolves play AA baseball in the Eastern League as an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The Erie Otters play hockey in the Ontario Hockey League. Hockey games are played at Erie Insurance Arena, while Minor League Baseball games are held at UPMC Park.

Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, Edinboro University, and Penn State Behrend have active NCAA collegiate sports programs. The local high schools compete in PIAA District 10 sporting events. Additionally, Cathedral Preparatory School hosts the annual high-school basketball tournament featuring top national teams, called the Burger King Classic since 2010. Scholastic and intramural sports are held at school and park facilities around the city. The Mercyhurst Ice Center, Flo Fabrizio Ice Center, Erie Sports Park, and Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium are many sports arenas and stadiums available in and around the city.

{{See also|List of city parks of Erie, Pennsylvania}}

File:Perry Monument - Presque Isle, PA.jpg]]

Downtown Erie is surrounded by Presque Isle State Park, a National Natural Landmark.{{cite web |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/STATEPARKS/parks/presqueisle.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040212224040/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/presqueisle.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2004 |title=Presque Isle State Park |access-date=May 21, 2007}} The Seaway Trail runs through downtown Erie along the lakefront. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center, at the foot of Presque Isle, features {{Convert|7000|sqft|abbr=on}} of exhibit space.{{cite web |publisher=Tom Ridge Environmental Center |url=http://www.trecpi.org/features.html |title=TREC Features |access-date=May 25, 2007 |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630065241/http://www.trecpi.org/features.html |url-status=dead }}

The region grows grapes and produces the third-largest amount of wine in the United States. Other tourist destinations include the Bayfront Convention Center; the Bicentennial Tower that overlooks Lake Erie; Dobbins Landing, a pier in downtown Erie; the Erie Land Light, and the Erie Maritime Museum, the home port of the Niagara. The {{Convert|2600000|sqft|adj=on|abbr=on}} Millcreek Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, is located on Peach Street in nearby Millcreek Township.{{cite web |publisher=Eastern Connecticut State University |url=http://nutmeg.easternct.edu/~pocock/MallsLarge.htm |title=Largest Shopping Malls in the United States |access-date=February 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623233811/http://nutmeg.easternct.edu/~pocock/MallsLarge.htm |archive-date=June 23, 2011}} The indoor waterpark Splash Lagoon, in Summit Township, is the largest indoor waterpark on the East Coast and third-largest in the United States. Waldameer & Water World, located at the base of Presque Isle, is the fourth-oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania, and the 10th-oldest in the US.{{cite web |author=National Scenic Byways Program |title=Waldameer Park and WaterWorld |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |url=http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2488/places/59531 |access-date=February 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609111449/http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2488/places/59531/ |archive-date=June 9, 2011 |url-status=dead}}

{{See also|List of mayors of Erie, Pennsylvania}}

File:Erie City Hall.jpg

The city of Erie is incorporated as a third-class city under Pennsylvania law.The Pennsylvania Manual, p. 6–5. Incorporated under an "optional charter", the city is governed by a mayor–council government. The government consists of a mayor, treasurer, and controller, and a seven-member city council. They are elected to four-year terms, with the terms of the council designed to be overlapping. The mayor is chief executive and the city council prepares legislation and conducts oversight. The city council meets in Mario S. Bagnoni Council Chambers at City Hall. Joseph Schember (D) is the mayor of the city of Erie and was first elected in 2017. {{As of|2025|February}}, the Erie City Council consists of:{{Cite web |title=City Council Members |url=https://cityof.erie.pa.us/government/city-council/city-council-members/ |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=Erie, PA |language=en}}

• Kathy Schaaf
• Ed Brzezinski
• Jasmine Flores
• Chuck Nelson
• Maurice "Mo" Troop
• Mel Witherspoon
• Tyler Titus

Erie is the largest city in Pennsylvania's 16th congressional district and is currently represented in Congress by Republican Mike Kelly, who was first elected in 2010. Republican Dan Laughlin of the 49th District represents Erie in the Pennsylvania State Senate. The city of Erie is split by the 1st and 2nd Districts of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and is represented by Democrats Patrick Harkins and Robert E. Merski, respectively.The Pennsylvania Manual, p. 3-162.

{{See also|Erie City School District|Higher education in Erie, Pennsylvania}}

File:LECOM Erie campus.jpg's main campus]]

Erie Public Schools enroll 12,527 students in primary and secondary grades.{{cite web |publisher=GreatSchools.com |url=http://www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/pa/district_profile/188/ |title=Erie City School District Profile |access-date=May 21, 2007}} The district has 23 public schools including elementary, middle, and high schools, with one charter school. Other than public schools, the city is home to more than 40 private schools and academies. Erie public schools are under frequent criticism for education quality, school rankings, and abnormally high teacher salaries.{{Citation needed|reason=|date=February 2022}}

The City of Erie is served by two public high schools, Erie High School and Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, plus three Catholic high schools: Cathedral Preparatory School, Mercyhurst Preparatory School, and Villa Maria Academy.

Erie is home to several colleges and universities, including Gannon University in downtown Erie and Mercyhurst University in the southeast part of the city. Other notable colleges in the Erie area include Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM, a large medical school), and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

Erie is also home to the Barber National Institute and its Elizabeth Lee Black School, which provides services and education for children and adults with mental disabilities. Erie is home to its main campus, and it provides services in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.Barber National Institute http://www.barberinstitute.org The Achievement Center also serves the needs of children from birth to age 21 with physical and mental disabilities.

{{Main|Media in Erie, Pennsylvania}}

File:Erietimes2.jpg headquarters office]]

Erie is served by Erie Times-News, the city's daily newspaper, and Erie Reader, an alternative weekly newspaper.

The Nielsen Company ranks Erie as 152 out of the 210 largest television markets in the United States, as of the 2019−2020 report.{{cite web |title=Local Television Market Universe Estimates |year=2018 |publisher=Nielsen Company |url=https://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/public%20factsheets/tv/2018-19-dma-ranker.pdf |access-date=February 15, 2019 |page=5}} The market is served by stations affiliated with major American networks, including WICU-TV 12 (NBC), WJET-TV 24 (ABC), WFXP 66 (FOX), WSEE-TV 35 (CBS), and WSEE-DT2 35.2 (CW). WQLN 54 is a member station of PBS and also broadcasts toward London, Ontario. Cable companies available for Erie include Charter Spectrum, DirecTV, and Dish Network.

Erie is served by several AM and FM radio stations based in the city, and dozens of other nearby station broadcasts can be heard.

In August 2019, Erie was the subject of a television show, Undercover Billionaire, from the Discovery Channel. In this show, a wealthy businessman, Glenn Stearns, travels to Erie under a fake name, Glenn Bryant. He starts with $100, a cell phone, and an old pickup truck. He is then asked to make a business worth over $1 million in 90 days. If he fails, he has to put $1 million of his own money into the business. Stearns makes the now prosperous business of UnderDog BBQ. Although he only gets the company valuation of around $750,000, it is still a successful business to date. He gave everyone who helped his big roles in the company's future and also invested the $1 million he owed.

{{Main|Transportation in Erie, Pennsylvania}}

File:Lastdc9ERI.jpg to fly for US Air arrived at Erie International Airport in 2007.]]

File:Erie Union Station - panoramio.jpg is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited.]]

File:Erie, Pennsylvania map.png

File:EMTA.jpg]]

Erie is well connected to the Interstate Highway System. Six "Erie exits" are along I-90, a major cross-country thoroughfare running from Boston to Seattle. Erie is the northern terminus of I-79, which travels south to Pittsburgh and, ultimately, West Virginia. The western terminus for I-86, also called the "Southern Tier Expressway", is at I-90 near Harborcreek, between Erie and North East. I-86 continues east through New York to Binghamton. The Bayfront Connector runs from I-90 in Harborcreek to the Bayfront Parkway and Downtown Erie, along the east side of the city, then connects to I-79 on the west side of the city. Major thoroughfares in the city include 12th Street, 26th Street, 38th Street, and Peach Street. Peach is also a part of US 19, whose northern terminus is in Erie and continues south, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico. Other major routes running through Erie are PA 5, known as the Seaway Trail and is made up of parts of 6th Street, 8th Street, 12th Street, and East Lake Road in the city, US 20, which is 26th Street in the city. The city is divided between east and west by State Street.

The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority operates the city's transit bus system, known as the "e". Buses run seven days a week in the city, with trips out to other parts of the county occurring a few times a week. Intercity buses providing transportation between Buffalo, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh are operated by Greyhound Lines. Service between Buffalo and Cleveland is also provided by Lakefront Lines. Both companies operate out of the Intermodal Transportation Center, which opened in 2002 at the foot of Holland Street.

The former "Water Level Route" of the New York Central Railroad travels directly through Erie. It is now the mainline for CSX freight trains. The main line of the Norfolk Southern Railway, originally built by the Nickel Plate Railroad, also travels through Erie. At one time, Norfolk Southern trains ran down the middle of 19th Street, but the tracks were removed in 2002.{{Cite news |last1=Hofius |first1=Sarah |last2=Piet |first2=Elizabeth |date=June 8, 2005 |newspaper=Erie Times-News |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050608/FRONTPAGE/506080368&SearchID=73285370706681 |title=Residents track changes along old railroad line |access-date=February 2, 2011}} Passenger rail service is provided by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited out of Union Station at 14th and State streets. The Lake Shore Limited stops twice daily—one eastbound towards New York City or Boston, and one westbound towards Chicago.

Erie International Airport and Tom Ridge Field (IATA code: ERI; ICAO code: KERI) are located {{Convert|5|mi}} west of the city and host general aviation, charter, and airline service. Destinations with nonstop flights out of Erie include Charlotte Douglas International Airport via American Airlines, and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport via Delta Air Lines (Currently suspended). As of 2011, Erie International was amid an $80.5 million project to extend the runway by {{Convert|1920|ft|m|-1|abbr=on}}, for a total length of {{Convert|8420|ft|m|-2|abbr=on}}, "to meet safety requirements" and allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft.{{Cite news |last=Myers |first=Valerie |title=Bidding to begin on next phase of Erie runway extension |date=January 29, 2011 |newspaper=Erie Times-News |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011301299944 |access-date=February 2, 2011 |archive-date=October 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009195406/http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011301299944 |url-status=dead }}

The Port of Erie is located on Presque Isle Bay, a natural harbor formed by Presque Isle. It offers some of the finest port facilities for cargo shipping on the Great Lakes, with direct rail access. The Erie−Western Pennsylvania Port Authority provides water taxi service in the summer between Dobbins Landing and Liberty Park in downtown Erie, and the Waterworks ferry landing on Presque Isle.{{cite web |publisher=The Port of Erie |url=http://www.porterie.org/transit_map_lg.gif |title=Erie Bayfront Transportation System |access-date=May 21, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041106065444/http://www.porterie.org/transit_map_lg.gif |archive-date=November 6, 2004}}

The Erie Water Works, which was incorporated in 1865 as the Erie Water and Gas Company, includes a reservoir, two water-treatment plants, and an elaborate water works and pipe network that provides water for most of the city and suburbs. Penelec, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, supplies electricity to the region, as well as the Northwestern Pennsylvania Rural Electric Cooperative. National Fuel Gas Company provides residents with natural gas. Time Warner Cable became the region's cable television provider, after taking over Adelphia, and also provides digital phone and high-speed internet to the region. Local telephone and high-speed internet service are also provided by Verizon.

Sewage service in Erie is provided by the Erie Sewer Authority, and many outlying townships have partnerships with the Sewer Authority for service. The authority cleans about {{convert|30 to 40|e6USgal|m3}} of wastewater every day.{{cite web |publisher=The City of Erie |url=http://www.ci.erie.pa.us/Departments/SewerDepartment/tabid/74/Default.aspx |title=Erie Sewer Department |access-date=May 21, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706212429/http://www.ci.erie.pa.us/Departments/SewerDepartment/tabid/74/Default.aspx |archive-date=July 6, 2007}}

The time and temperature number in Erie is 452-6311 and was originally discontinued by Verizon in October 2008 before being restarted by a private individual two years later.{{Cite news |last=Leonardi |first=Ron |date=December 27, 2010 |newspaper=Erie Times-News |title=Q & A with Patrick Jones, who resurrected time and temperature phone line |url=http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010312279973 |access-date=July 22, 2011 |archive-date=October 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011053729/http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010312279973 |url-status=dead }} The city of Erie and northwest Pennsylvania is located in area code 814. On December 16, 2010, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) voted to split the area code, which was to take effect February 1, 2012.{{Cite press release |title=PUC: 582 Named as New Area Code for Portions of 814 Changing in 2012 |date=December 21, 2010 |publisher=Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission |url=http://www.puc.state.pa.us/General/press_releases/Press_Releases.aspx?ShowPR=2685 |access-date=February 1, 2011}} The North American Numbering Plan decided that northwest Pennsylvania would receive the new code of 582. A local grassroots coalition began organizing an opposition to the plan and generated numerous petitions for reconsideration. The PUC immediately voted to review their decision and ordered additional public-input hearings and technical conferences as a response to the strong public outcry.{{Cite press release |title=PUC Agrees to Further Review Decision in 814 Area Code Relief Case, Plans Additional Public Hearings, Technical Conferences |date=January 13, 2011 |publisher=Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission |url=http://www.puc.state.pa.us/General/press_releases/Press_Releases.aspx?ShowPR=2696 |access-date=February 1, 2011}} In January 2011, the PUC announced that it was placing the entire area code split plan on hold as NEUSTAR pushed the projected exhaustion date back two years to 2015.{{Cite news |title=PUC Puts Hold on 814 Split |url=http://wduqnews.blogspot.com/2011/01/puc-puts-hold-on-814-split.html |work=WDUQNews |first=Mark |last=Nootbaar |date=January 13, 2011}}

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The Erie Police Department has 196 sworn personnel.{{Cite web |title=Finance |url=https://cityof.erie.pa.us/government/departments/finance/ |access-date=February 21, 2023 |website=Erie, PA |language=en}}

The Erie Fire Department is a full-time fire department and employs around 150 uniformed personnel. The city currently has six fire stations and protects about {{Convert|20|sqmi|abbr=on}}. The city has five engine companies, including two rescue engines, one tower company, and one water-rescue unit. The city provides mutual aid to fire departments of Millcreek Township, Summit Township, and East County.

Erie has four official sister cities as designated by Sister Cities International:{{Cite web |title=Sister Cities |url=https://cityof.erie.pa.us/government/sister-cities/ |access-date=June 28, 2023 |website=Erie, PA |language=en}}

• {{flagdeco|IRE}} Dungarvan, Ireland (2007)
• {{flagdeco|POL}} Lublin, Poland (1998)
• {{flagdeco|MEX}} Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico (1973)
• {{flagdeco|PRC}} Zibo, Shandong, China (1985)

• List of people from Erie, Pennsylvania

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{{Portal|Geography|Pennsylvania}}

• USS Erie, at least one ship
• Death of Brian Wells
• Evil Genius (TV series)

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• {{Cite book |chapter=Chapter MDCCCXLIV: An Act to provide for laying out establishing towns and outlets within several tracts of land heretofore reserved for public uses, situated respectively at {{Sic |nolink=y|Presqu'|-Isle}}, on Lake Erie, at the mouth of French creek, at the mouth of the Conewango creek, and at Fort le Bœuf |title=Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |volume=3 |year=1810 |publisher=John Bioren |location=Philadelphia |pages=233−240 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AP9BAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA233 |access-date=August 28, 2010}}
• {{cite web |title=Erie County Elected Officials |publisher=Government of Erie County |url=http://www.eriecountygov.org/dept/voter/pdf/electedofficials.pdf |access-date=February 2, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721225346/http://www.eriecountygov.org/dept/voter/pdf/electedofficials.pdf |archive-date=July 21, 2011}}
• {{Cite book |title=History of Erie County, Pennsylvania |year=1884 |publisher=Warner, Beers and Company |location=Chicago |url=https://archive.org/details/cu31924096783489}}
• {{Cite book |last=Nelson |first=S.B. |title=Nelson's Biographical Dictionary and Historical Reference Book of Erie County, Pennsylvania |year=1896 |publisher=S.B. Nelson |location=Erie, Pennsylvania |url=https://archive.org/details/nelsonsbiog00whit}}
• {{Cite book |editor-last=Trostle |editor-first=Sharon |title=The Pennsylvania Manual |year=2009 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of General Services |location=Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |volume=119 |isbn=978-0-8182-0334-3 |title-link=The Pennsylvania Manual}}

{{Sister project links|voy=Erie}}

{{AmCyc Poster|Erie (city)|Erie, Pennsylvania}}

• {{official website|http://www.erie.pa.us/ City of Erie}}
• [https://www.visiterie.com Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau]

{{Geographic location

| Centre = Erie

| North = 25px Presque Isle State Park

| Northeast = 20px Buffalo, Niagara Falls

| East = 20px Jamestown

| Southeast = 20px Union City

| South = 20px Millcreek, Edinboro, Pittsburgh

| Southwest = 20px Cleveland

| West = 20px Erie International Airport

| Northwest = Lake Erie

}}

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Category:Erie, Pennsylvania

Category:Cities in Erie County, Pennsylvania

Category:Cities in Pennsylvania

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Category:Inland port cities and towns of Pennsylvania

Category:Old Believer communities in the United States

Category:Pennsylvania populated places on Lake Erie

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