Erie is a city in northwest Pennsylvania, on the shores of Lake Erie, and is the seat of Erie County. The population is around 94,000.
Erie's Downtown is next to Presque Isle Bay. The bay is a natural harbor that was of key interest to the French before the French & Indian War, and the United States leading up to the War of 1812. President James Madison authorized the construction of a naval fleet during the War of 1812 to attempt to control the Great Lakes. Because of the natural harbor, shipbuilding continued after the war as a thriving industry. Fishing flourished in the 1800s as well. Erie was also a railroad hub during the early times of railroads, as a meeting point of different types of gauges, until national standardization. In the 1900s, industrialization like steelworking was dominant, until manufacturing left in the 1960s and Erie began to decline.
Today, Erie is trying to revitalize its Downtown. The waterfront has slowly begun to change for the better, and the neighborhood is increasingly becoming a cultural destination.
The Erie County Courthouse, on 6th Street. The section on the left was built in 1855, and the identical section on the right was built in 1930. The current lobby connecting the two wings was added in 2005.
The Soldiers & Sailors Monument, along Peach Street on the west side of Perry Square, the center of Downtown. The statue was completed in 1872, and dedicated in 1939.
The Oliver Perry statue, along French Street on the east side of Perry Square. The statue was dedicated in 1985.
The Highmark Events Center, formerly the Hammermill Center and Gannon Auditorium, on Park Row. The Gannon University arena was built in 1949.
Buildings on Park Row. On the right is the old Greyhound bus stationm, built in 1939 in the Streamline Moderne style.
The old Erie Public Library, at State Street & Park Row. The library was built in 1899, and was connected to the adjacent U.S. Courthouse in 2004.
The old Hotel Ford, on State Street at Park Row. The hotel was built in 1928, and is now an apartment building.
Italianate buildings on State Street at Park Row.
The Erie Dry Goods Company Building, on State Street. The structure was built in 1931, and later was known as the Boston Store. It is now used as apartments.
The Erie Art Museum, on State Street. The museum was built in 1839 as the Customs House, and was modeled after the Theseion in Athens, Greece, built in 449 BC.
Buildings on State Street. On the left is the Cashier's House, built in 1839 for the cashier of the old Customs House.
Warner Theater, on State Street. The theater was completed in 1931.
Buildings on State Street.
The Renaissance Centre, on State Street. The highrise was built in 1928, and was originally the Erie Trust Company Building.
Buildings on State Street.
Buildings on State Street.
The Modern Tool Company Building, at 4th & State Streets. The structure was built in 1895.
The Brig. Gen. Strong Vincent statue, on Front Street. The statue to the Battle of Gettysburg hero was dedicated in 1997.
The Bicentennial Tower, at the end of State Street overlooking Presque Isle Bay. The tower was built in 1995 for the city's bicentennial, and is 187 feet tall.
A hotel on Bay Road, overlooking Presque Isle Bay.
A restaurant on Dobbins Landing at State Street.
The Gideon Ball House, on 6th Street. The house was built in 1862.
Erie Insurance Arena, on French Street at 8th Street. The arena was built in 1983 and is the home of the Erie Otters of the junior-level Ontario Hockey League
UMPC Park, on 10th Street. The stadium was built in 1995 and is the home of the Erie SeaWolves of the minor league AA-level Eastern League.
St. Peter Cathedral, on 10th Street at Sassafras Street.
The cathedral was built in 1893, and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie.
Buildings on 10th Street. In the middle of the YMCA of Downtown Erie, built in 1910.
A building on 10th Street.
Houses on 7th Street.
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