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Erie, Pennsylvania

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Erie
The Erie skyline, facing south from Presque Isle State Park across Presque Isle Bay
The Erie skyline, facing south from Presque Isle State Park across Presque Isle Bay
Flag of Erie
Flag
Official seal of Erie
Seal
Nickname(s): 
The Flagship City, The Gem City
Location in Erie County
Location in Erie County
Location in the state of Pennsylvania
Location in the state of Pennsylvania
CountyErie County
Founded1795
Government
 • MayorJoseph Sinnott
Elevation
733 ft (223 m)
Population
 (2000)
 • City103,717
 • Urban
175,836
 • Metro
280,843
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
Websitewww.cityoferiepa.com

Erie (pronounced ˈi.ɹi) is a major industrial city on the shore of Lake Erie in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania. Named for the lake and the Native American tribe that resided along its southern shore, Erie is the state's fourth-largest city with a total population of 103,717, according to the 2000 US Census.[1] Erie's Metropolitan Area consists of 280,843 residents. The city is the seat of government for Erie County.

Erie is centrally located between Cleveland, Ohio; Buffalo, New York; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Once swarming with heavy industry, Erie's heavy manufacturing sector now consists mainly of plastics and locomotive building. Known for its lake effect snow, Erie is located in the heart of the rust belt. The city has begun to focus on tourism as a driving force in its economy. Annually over four million people go to swim, hike, and fish at Presque Isle State Park,[2] while a new casino named for the state park is growing in popularity.

Erie is known as the Flagship City because of the presence of Oliver Hazard Perry's flagship Niagara.[3] Erie has also been called the Gem City because of the sparkling lake.[3]

History

Main article: History of Erie, Pennsylvania

The Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy and the Seneca Nation occupied the lands now known as Erie. The French built Fort Presque Isle near present day Erie in 1753, as part of their effort to garrison New France against the encroaching English. The French word "Presque-isle" means peninsula (literally "almost an island") and refers to that piece of land that juts into Lake Erie that is now called Presque Isle State Park. When the fort was abandoned by the French in 1760, it was their last post west of Niagara. The British occupied the fort at Presque Isle that same year, three years before the end of the Seven Years' War in 1763.[4]

The brig Niagara played an important role in the history of Erie.

Present day Erie would have been situated in a disputed triangle of land that was claimed by the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut (as part of its Western Reserve), and Massachusetts. It officially became part of Pennsylvania on March 3, 1792, after Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York released their claims to the federal government, which in turn sold the land to Pennsylvania for $151.6 million in Continental certificates. The Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy released the land to Pennsylvania in January 1789 for payments of $2,000 from Pennsylvania and $1,200 from the federal government. The Seneca Nation separately settled land claims against Pennsylvania in February 1791 for the sum of $800.[5]

The General Assembly of Pennsylvania commissioned the surveying of land near Presque Isle through an act passed on April 18, 1795. Andrew Ellicott, who famously 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 in June 1795. Initial settlement of the area began that year.[5][6]

File:662006erie-1922.jpg
A street in downtown Erie in the early 1920's

In order to wrest control of Lake Erie from the British during the War of 1812, President James Madison ordered the construction of a naval fleet at Erie. Noted shipbuilders Daniel Dobbins of Erie and Noah Brown of New York led 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.[7]

Erie was an important railroad hub in the mid–nineteenth century, the city being the site where three different sets of track gauges met. While the delays required to unload and load passengers and cargo were a problem 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. The citizens of Erie, led by the mayor, set fire to bridges, ripped up track, and rioted to stop standardization.[8]

On August 5, 1915, the Mill Creek (the creek that Millcreek Township was named after) flooded downtown Erie when a culvert blocked by debris, gave out.[9] A four block reservoir, caused by torrential downpours, had formed behind it. The "wall of water"[10] that resulted killed 12 people.[9] The Mill Creek, after the flood, was diverted to a tube that would run under the city to the lake.[10]

Erie's importance gradually faded thought the 1900's as the age of lake trade and commercial fishing began to end.[11] Downtown Erie continued to grow for most of the 20th century, before taking a major population downturn in the 1970's.[11] With the advent of motor vehicle's, urban sprawl has started a exit of Erie into the suburbs, including Millcreek Township; who now has over 50,000 people.[11]

1912 panorama of downtown Erie

Geography and cityscape

Presque Isle State Park, known to locals as "the peninsula."

Erie is located at 42°6′52″N 80°4′34″W / 42.11444°N 80.07611°W / 42.11444; -80.07611Invalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (42.114507, -80.076213)Template:GR in the north of Appalachia. Erie is located on the south-central shores of Lake Erie, directly in between Cleveland, OH and Buffalo, NY. Many streams and rivers bisect the city and surrounding areas, leading to the lake.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of Template:Sq mi to km2 with Template:Sq mi to km2 of it being land and the remaing (21.54%) being water. Erie is home to Presque Isle State Park (known to the locals as "The Peninsula"), a peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie and has 7 miles of public beaches, wetlands, and fishing locations.

A road map of Erie showing the major routes that travel through it.

Erie is laid out in a grid pattern, centering from Perry Square in the center of downtown.[12]The downtown buildings, although none of 20 stories, are separated from the waterfront by the Bayfront Parkway.[12] Erie has generally small ethnic neighborhoods, including Little Italy and several others. South of 38th Street the grid pattern gives way to curvilinear roads of post–1970 suburban development. Millcreek Township, as well as Peach Street are defined as some of Erie's newer areas, with construction on–going.

The majority of the cityscape includes abandoned factories, mid–rise housing, single family homes, as well as corporate buildings. Eries waterfront includes the Pepsi Amphitheater and surrounding parkland, that hosts numerous festivals. The Bayfront Convention Center and Hotel is on Sassafras Pier next to Dobbins Landing.[12] The Bicentennial Tower dominates the city's skyline. On the east end of the waterfront, the Erie Maritime Museum and the city's main library host the Brig Niagara. Docks and Marinas sprawl the distance between.

Climate

Snow in April

The climate of Erie is typical of the Great Lakes. Winters are cold with lake effect snow, while summer is hot and humid. On the Köppen climate classification, Erie is in the warm summer humid continental climate zone (Dfa). The city experiences a full range of weather events, including snow, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog.

As of 2007, Erie stands 13th on the snowiest places in the United States, averaging 88 inches (220 cm) of snow.[13] For the winter of 2006–2007, Erie has received [convert: precision too large] of snow.[14] The adverse winter conditions have been know to cause whiteouts, including one that caused a 50 car pile-up on Interstate 90,[15] and USAir Flight 499 to overrun the runway at Erie International Airport.[16]

Monthly Normal and Record High and Low Temperatures[17]
°Fahrenheit
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Record High 70 75 82 89 90 100 99 94 94 88 80 75
Normal High 33.5 35.4 44.7 55.6 67.4 76.2 80.4 79 72 61 49.3 38.6
Normal Low 20.3 20.9 28.2 37.9 48.7 58.5 63.7 62.7 55.9 45.5 36.4 26.8
Record Low -18 -17 -9 12 26 32 44 37 33 24 7 -6
Rain (in) 2.53 2.28 3.13 3.38 3.34 4.28 3.28 4.21 4.73 3.92 3.96 3.73
Snow (in) 25.2 15.6 12.3 3 - - - - 0.3 3 10.4 24.2

Demographics and religion

Main article: Demographics of Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie Compared
2000 Census Erie PA U.S.
Total population 103,717 12,281,054 281,421,906
Population, percent change, 1990 to 2000 -4.6% +3.14% +13.1%
Population density 4,722.9/sq mi 247/sq mi 80/sq mi
Median household income (1999) $28,387 $34,619 $41,994
Bachelor's degree or higher 27% 27% 29%
Foreign born 5.8% 5% 11%
White (non-Hispanic) 80.56% 87% 67%
Black 14.20% 10.71% 12%
Hispanic (any race) 4.41% 3% 11%
Asian 1% 2.04% 4%

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 103,717 people, 40,938 households, and 24,480 families residing in the city. There were 44,971 housing units at an average vacancy rate of 8%. Erie has long been declining in population due to the departure of many businesses and factories.[18] The city has lost over 40,000 people since the early 1970s; allowing Allentown to claim the 3rd largest spot.

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
188027,237—
189040,63449.2%
190052,73329.8%
191066,52526.2%
192093,37240.4%
1930115,96724.2%
1940116,9550.9%
1950130,80311.8%
1960138,4405.8%
1970142,2542.8%
1980119,123−16.3%
1990108,718−8.7%
2000103,717−4.6%
Population 1880 - 1970.[19]
Population 1980-2000[20]

In the city the population was spread evenly between all age groups. The median age was 34 years. About 13% of families and 19% of the population were below the poverty line. The majority of Erie's people are of European dissent.[21]

Since the mid 1990s, the International Institute of Erie (IIE), founded in 1919, has helped with the resettlement of refugees from Bosnia, Eritrea, Ghana, Iraq, Kosovo, Liberia, Somalia, Sudan, the former Soviet Union, and Vietnam. The inclusion of refugees in Erie's community augments religious diversity and prompts community events like cultural festivals.[22]

In the early 20th century, Erie had a significant Russian immigrant community, many of whom worked in the shipbuilding plants along the bayfront. Unusual for a Great Lakes city, a substantial number of these Russian immigrants were Old Believers. Even today, the gold-domed Church of the Nativity,[23] on the bayfront near the former heart of the Russian community, is an Old Believer church.[24]Bishop Daniel of Erie,of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, is based in Erie and is the Vicar President of the Synod of Bishops for the Old Believers.[25]

Catholic influence is felt beyond the parish in Erie; here, at entrance to Mercyhurst College.

Erie has a Jewish community that is over one hundred fifty years old. Temple Anshe Hesed, a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, is served by its spiritual leader, Rabbi John L. Bush.[26] Erie is home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, covering 13 counties (9,936 sq mi- the largest in the state). Its diocesan seat is the Saint Peter Cathedral in Erie, which has a 265 feet (81 m) central tower flanked by two 150 feet (46 m) towers. It is among the tallest churches in the U.S and was constructed in 1873.

According to the Association of Religion Date Archives,[27] Erie County had a total 2000 population of 280,843 persons, 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.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Erie, Pennsylvania
Old factory in Erie

Erie is the Commonwealth of 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 big industry.

While only electric locomotive building remains of the large manufacturers in the early 21st century, a more diverse mix of mid-sized industries has emerged. This broader economic base includes not only smaller and more agile steel and plastic plants, but also a vigorous service sector: health, insurance, and tourism all thrive in Erie. As of March 2007, Erie's unemployment rate was 4.1%, more than a point's improvement over the 5.2% rate a year earlier.[28] The national unemployment rate was 4.4%.

Beaches impact local economy

Erie is the corporate headquarters of GE Transportation Systems, Plastek Industries, and Erie Insurance Group. Lord Corporation was founded in and has major operations in Erie.[29] Over 10% of the nation's plastics are manufactured or finished in Erie-based plastics plants.[3] Erie is an emerging center for biofuels and environmental research, with the city producing over 45 million gallons of biofuel.[30] Tourism plays an increasingly important role in the local economy with over 4 million people visiting Presque Isle State Park and other attractions. Canadian shoppers regularly frequent the Millcreek Mall and Peach Street stores and attractions.

The city government is encouraging development through the implementation of selected Commonwealth programs that encourage residents, universities and businesses to contribute towards the community’s economic health.[31][32]

In 2002, the Erie Downtown Improvement District (DID) contracted a Philadelphia-based company (Kise, Straw, and Kolodner) to set up a "master plan" for the city of Erie's downtown.[33] The DID plan includes the construction of several mid-rise and high-rise structures, which will be utilized primarily for housing and retail expansion in the city centre. Plans also include renovating many historical downtown buildings, including the Boston Store and Mercantile Building. Fourth River Development and Radnor Property Group were selected as the developers.

Healthcare and utilities

Hamot Heart Institute

Erie is a regional leader in health care with two of its hospitals being ranked nationally.[34][35] St. Vincent Health System was founded in 1875 as St. Vincent's Hospital, Erie's first medical institution, by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie. It was chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1895 as the St. Vincent's Hospital Association. A school of nursing was established in 1901. Formal instruction of interns began in 1914. In 1981, St. Vincent's became the largest hospital in Pennsylvania, and one of the first hospitals in the country, to use computers to make medical records available to authorized personnel for patient treatment. St. Vincent Health Center became a subsidiary of St. Vincent Health System when the corporation was reorganized in 1988.[34]The Erie Shriners Hospital for Children has been operating in Erie since 1927.[36] It won a 2007 achievement award from the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.[37]

File:Erietower.JPG
A large hospital complex is located behind the tower

One of Erie's largest employers, Hamot Medical Center has consistently been ranked as one of the best hospitals in the country.[35] Pierre Simon Vincent Hamot (died in 1846) was a successful local Erie businessman whose homestead was donated by his descendants for the founding in 1881 of the Hamot Hospital Association. The medical center, along with the Hamot Heart Institute (pictured on right), are part of the Hamot Health Foundation.[38]

Hamot and St. Vincent organized two joint projects in the 1980s. The Tri-State Regional Trauma Center opened in 1983. The Regional Cancer Center (TRCC), founded in 1987, is one of the largest free-standing community cancer treatment centers in the United States.[39]

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. PennElec, a First Energy Company provide electricity to the region, as well as the Northwestern Pennsylvania Rural Electric Company. Time Warner Cable serves as the region's cable provider after Adelphia was taken over by Time Warner.

Sewage service is provided by the Erie Sewer Authority. Many outlining townships have partnerships with the Sewer Authority to provide sewage service to their residents. It cleans about 30–40 million gallons of wastewater everyday.[40]

Arts and culture

File:1920warner.gif
The Warner Theatre

Erie is home to a number of professional and amateur performing-arts groups. The most significant is the Erie Philharmonic, in continuous existence since 1913 (with the exception of an interregnum during World War II). This group of professional musicians also has a full chorus and a Junior Philharmonic division which actively tours the area.

The Lake Erie Ballet is a professional company which performs a number of well-known ballets throughout the year.[41] The Erie Civic Music Association attracts, sponsors, and books performances by professional musicians, singers, entertainers, and ensembles from the world over.[42] The Erie Art Museum is the city's main art gallery, located in a former U.S. Customs House on lower State Street near the bayfront. Its collection has a particular emphasis on folk art and modern art. It also hosts a popular blues and jazz concert series.

Downtown Erie's historic and ornate Warner Theatre hosts performances by all three groups. Renovated in the 1980s and again in 2007,[43] the Warner serves as the hub of Erie's Civic Center. The downtown area is also the home of the Erie Playhouse, one of the leading community theaters in the country, as well as the Roadhouse Theatre for Contemporary Art, home to more avant-garde works.[44] The local Great Lakes Film Association (GFLA), which hosts the annual Great Lakes Independent Film Festival every fall, was founded in 2002.[45]

File:Bostonstore.jpg
The iconic Boston Store in Downtown Erie


Along West 6th Street is Millionaires Row, a collection of 19th century Victorian mansions. The oldest lighthouse on all of the Great Lakes stands at the foot of Lighthouse Street.[46] The lighthouse was built in 1818 and replaced in 1867.

The Bicentennial Tower, located on Dobbins Landing at the foot of State Street, was built in 1995 to honor the city's 200th year. Construction was finished in 1996. It is 187 feet tall and gives a panoramic view of Lake Erie and downtown. The Blasco Library and Erie Maritime Museum are its neighbors to the east. Presque Isle Downs opened for business on February 28, 2007, the fourth slots parlor in the state and the first in western Pennsylvania.[47] There are 2,000 slot machines as of opening day, and the adjoining racetrack is scheduled to open in September 2007.[48]

Sports

Jerry Uht Park from the first-base side, overlooking downtown Erie.

Erie has had a long history of competitive sports. District 10 High Schools sports are played in the area, often with very close scores. Throughout history, Erie has had various semi-pro and professional sports teams. The city host's the nationally recognized McDonald's Classic.[49] The area is home to General McLane High School, who won both the State Football Championship and Basketball Championship in the same year, a first in the state.[50]

Erie hosts the Erie Freeze; a member of the American Indoor Football Association and the Erie Illusion; a member of the National Women's Football Association. The Erie Otters play hockey in the Ontario Hockey League, and the Erie SeaWolves play double A baseball in the Eastern League; as an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Football and Hockey games are played at Louis J. Tullio Arena, and The SeaWolves play at Jerry Uht Park. The various high school and collegiate teams play at various venues around the city, including Veterans Stadium.

Recreation

See also: List of city parks of Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie's location along the shores of Lake Erie provides a plethora of outdoor activities in all four seasons. The region's largest attraction is Presque Isle State Park, drawing over 4 million visitors a year. The region also grows grapes and produces the 3rd largest amount of wine in the United States.[1] The area sports arenas Jerry Uht Park (the home of the Erie Seawolves), and Louis J. Tullio Arena (the home of the Erie Otters and Erie Freeze).

File:Erieland.jpg
Erie Land Lighthouse

Erie is home to Presque Isle, a National Landmark.[2] The Seaway Trail runs through downtown Erie along the lakefront. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center, at the foot of Presque Isle, features 7,000 square feet (650 m²) of exhibit space.[51]

Historical sites also draw people to Erie. Union Station and the Warner Theatre are both historical buildings still in use. The Erie Playhouse is the third oldest community theater but it is the most active in the United States.[52]

Aerial view of Presque Isle State Park. View is to the east-northeast.

Tourist destinations include many of the above as well as the Bayfront Convention Center; the Bicentennial Tower that overlooks Lake Erie; Dobbins Landing, a pier in downtown Erie; the Erie Land Lighthouse; the Erie Maritime Museum, the home port of the US Brig Niagara; Millcreek Mall, the 11th largest shopping mall in the United States,[53] Perry Square, a large downtown park; Presque Isle Downs, a racetrack and casino located in Summit Township; Splash Lagoon, the largest indoor waterpark on the East Coast and third largest in the United States;[52] the Erie Zoo, with its many animals and exhibits; and Waldameer Park and Water World, a local amusement park.

Law and government

See also: List of Mayors of Erie, Pennsylvania, United States and List of Burgesses of Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie city government consists of a mayor and city council. The mayor's office includes an elected city treasurer and city controller. Each of seven districts elects a representative to the city council. The membership select from within their ranks a city council president and vice president. Each member serves a two-year term. The mayor serves as chief executive, while the city council prepares legislation and conducts oversight. The city council meets in Mario S. Bagnoni Council Chambers at City Hall.

Erie County Courthouse, Erie, Pennsylvania

As of May 2007, Joseph Sinnott serves as mayor. (The incumbent, Rick Filippi, did not seek re-election in 2005 and is practicing law in Erie.) Susan DiVecchio serves as city treasurer.[54] Casimir J. Kwitowski is city controller. As of May 2007, the Erie City Council consists of: Rubye Jenkins-Husband (President), James N. Thompson, Patrick Cappabianca, Jessica Horan-Kunco, Curtis Jones, Jr., David González, and Joseph V. Schember.[55]

In exchange for taxes the city provides its residents with police and fire protection. For quarterly payments, the city provides garbage, recycling, water and sewer services. The city has come under criticism for cutting jobs in the public service sector, most in Police of Fire Departments.[56]

Crime is enforced by the Erie Police Department. In 2005, six murders were committed in Erie, compared to one in 2004. Despite the rise in homicides, nonviolent crime in the city dropped by 14% percent in 2005 compared to 2004.[57] Since 2000, Erie has been experiencing a spike in drug crimes, which is due in part to a large decrease of Police Officers.[56] A link in the drug trade, Erie has strong criminal ties to Detroit and New York City.[58] Erie is the home of many large drug busts, although Erie's crime rate is lower than the national average.[59] Erie's homicide rate per 100,000 residents increased from 1 in 2004 to 5.8 in 2005.[59] The number of assaults in the city increased to 191 in 2005. Property crime, theft, arson, and burglaries were down in 2005 from 2004, rape was slightly higher.[59]

Education

See also: Colleges and universities of Erie

Erie Public Schools enroll 12,527 students in primary and secondary schools.[60] The district has 23 public schools including elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and one charter school. Other than public schools, the city is home to more than 40 private schools and academies including Cathedral Preparatory School and Mercyhurst Preparatory School.

File:Lecomerie.JPG
LECOM Main Campus

Erie's collegiate scene is fairy equally split between several colleges and universities. Created in the 1970s Penn State Erie, The Behrend College is the largest Penn State branch college.[61][62] The university is noted for being one of the best value colleges in the country.[61]

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM), a large medical campus located in Erie, with a branch in Bradenton, FL, has one of the largest classes of medical students in the country.

File:Brigniagara.JPG
The Erie Maritime Museum, Brig "Niagara", and Blasco Library.

[63] Other notable colleges in the Erie area include Mercyhurst College, with the number one rated Division II lacrosse team in the US;[64] Allegheny College, with one of the most beautiful campuses in the country;[65] Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a large college in nearby Edinboro, PA; and Gannon University, a Catholic university in downtown Erie. Ranking officials of the City of Erie, Erie County, and the Erie School District began looking into the need for a community college in the Erie area in 2006. [66]

The public libraries in Erie are part of the Erie County library system. The Raymond M. Blasco, M. D. Memorial Library, named for its benefactor, opened in 1996.[67] It is the third largest library in Pennsylvania.[68] It is connected to the Erie Maritime Museum, both of which are part of a bayfront improvement project that also includes the Bayfront Convention Center and the Bicentennial Tower.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation of Erie

Erie's Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) generates an annual Erie Area Transportation Study for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). There are fifteen MPO's in the state, each consisting of local elected officials, representatives of major modes of transport, PennDOT officials, and others. Federal and State transportation regulations require urban areas of 50,000 or more in population to have an MPO, which is to do short-term (four years) and long-term (20+ years) transportation planning.[69]

The Bayfront Connector connects I-90 with the waterfront.

Erie is well connected to the Interstate Highway System. Six highway exits from Interstate 90 connect travelers to Erie from Boston, Massachusetts and points east, and from Cleveland, Ohio and points west. Those traveling north to Erie on Interstate 79 can either merge with Interstate 90 or continue north for several local Erie exits before the road merges into the Bayfront Parkway in downtown Erie. Southbound travelers of Interstate 79 can connect with Interstate 80 for points east to New Jersey or west to Akron, Ohio or Youngstown, Ohio, or continue south on Interstate 79 to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Charleston, West Virginia. Interstate 86, also called the "Southern Tier Expressway," splits from Interstate 90 at North East, Pennsylvania and heads southeast through New York State to Binghamton.

The city has a number of important arterial roads. Pennsylvania Route 5 (12th Street), U.S. Route 20 (26th Street and Buffalo Road), and 38th Street are major east-west routes through Erie's municipal roadway grid. The town is divided east from west at State Street, a major thoroughfare in downtown Erie. U.S. Route 19 is a major southwesterly route from downtown to a shopping area north of Interstate 90 known to locals as Upper Peach Street.

File:Intermodal.JPG
The Intermodal Transportation Center at the end of Holland Street

The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) operates local and regional bus service seven days a week. A new city bus terminal opened in 2006. Connections are available to water taxi, rail services, and the airport. The Intermodal Transportation Center, which opened in 2002 at the Holland Street Pier, includes a commercial bus terminal. Greyhound Lines and Fullington Trailways (owned by Fullington Auto Bus Company) provide daily bus service, including routes with local stops between Erie and DuBois and Pittsburgh, with connections to other destinations.[69][70]

The former "Water Level Route" of the New York Central Railroad (now the CSX mainline) travels directly through Erie. This is a major mainline for the railroad and sees scores of trains a day. The mainline of the Norfolk Southern Railroad at one time ran directly down the middle of 19th Street in the city. Norfolk Southern decided to remove the 19th Street tracks in 1998.[71] The 19th Street rail traffic is now routed onto the aforementioned transcontinental mainline. Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited arrives at the Union Station, in downtown Erie, twice daily. Although there has been much discussion in recent years in favor of adding trains along the southern shore of Lake Erie to link Buffalo with Cleveland, and beyond, although there are no plans to begin this service.

The last DC-9 to fly for US Air arriving at Erie International Airport

Erie International Airport (IATA: ERI; IACO: KERI), located 5 miles (8 km) southwest of the city, hosts general aviation, charter, and scheduled airline service. Airlines serving Erie include Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines, US Airways and Northwest Airlines. Tom Ridge Field was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as the fastest-growing airport in the state and by the US Department of Transportation as the 3rd fastest-growing airport in the United States in 2004.[72][69]

The Port of Erie is located within Presque Isle Bay, a natural harbor formed by Presque Isle. The Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority provides water-taxi service in the summer months between Dobbins Landing and Liberty Park in downtown Erie, and the Waterworks ferry landing on Presque Isle.[73]

A channel on the east side of Presque Isle allows ships to transit between the bay and Lake Erie. Cruise line services land at a dock at the Intermodal Transportation Center on the Holland Street Pier. A Great American Waterways cruise makes a 15-day run from Chicago to Warren, Rhode Island, with a stop in Erie on the eastern leg of the journey.[74] The Great Lakes Cruise Company and the American Canadian Cruise Line both advertise this cruise.[75]

Media

The Erie Times–News main office
Main article: Media in Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie is served in print by The Erie Times-News, the city's only daily newspaper. Erie also has several alternative weekly and monthly publications.

Erie is ranked as the 142nd largest television market by Nielsen Media Research.[76] The market is served by stations affiliated with major American networks including WICU 12 (NBC), WJET 24 (ABC), WFXP 66 (FOX), WSEE 35 (CBS), and WBEP (CW). WQLN 54 is a member of PBS. Several Cleveland stations can be seen in the area. Erie is also served by over 25 AM and FM radio stations directly, and dozens of other stations are heard from elsewhere.

Sister cities

As of June 2007, Erie has four official sister cities as designated by Sister Cities International:[77]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Interesting Facts about Erie County". Erie County Government. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  2. ^ a b "Presque Isle State Park". Pennsylvania DCNR. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  3. ^ a b c "About Erie—Facts". The City of Erie. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  4. ^ History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Vol I (1884:Warner, Beer's and Company, Chicago), pg 503
  5. ^ a b Nelson's Biographical Dictionary and Historical Reference Book of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Vol I, pp 103–04
  6. ^ History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Vol I (1884:Warner, Beer's and Company, Chicago), pg 505–06
  7. ^ "Niagara History–Battle of Lake Erie". Flagship Niagara League. Retrieved 2007-05-30.
  8. ^ Shapiro, Carl. "Railroad Guages: A Standards Battle". History in Motion. Retrieved 2007-05-29.
  9. ^ a b "Mill Creek Flood". Erie County Historical Society. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
  10. ^ a b Erie: 200 Years as a Community. Erie Times-News (1995).
  11. ^ a b c "Erie Detailed History". City-data.com. Retrieved 2007-06-22.
  12. ^ a b c "Map of Erie, PA". Google Maps. Retrieved 2007-07-02.
  13. ^ Cappella, Chris (2003-10-03). "10 snowiest 'cities' aren't all in New York". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-05-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ Martin, Jim (2007-05-27). "Snow, ice to stay, but SIMA to leave". Erie Times-News. Retrieved 2007-07-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Associated Press (2007-01-25). "50-car Pileup on snowy Erie highway". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-05-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ "Accident Report". The National Transportation Safety Board. Retrieved 2007-05-29.
  17. ^ "Erie Weather". US Travel Weather (ustravelweather.com). Retrieved 2007-05-05.
  18. ^ "Erie Population Profile". City-data.com. Retrieved 2007-06-28.
  19. ^ "Population of the 100 largest cities 1790-1990". The United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  20. ^ "1980-1990 Population of Places With 100,000 or More Inhabidents". The United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  21. ^ "Erie Social and Demographic Information". helloerie.com. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  22. ^ "International Institute of Erie–Home". International Institute of Erie. Retrieved 2007-06-15.
  23. ^ "Church of the Nativity". Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  24. ^ "Russian Orthodox Bishops". Russian Orthodox Outside Russia. Retrieved 2007-05-26.
  25. ^ "Daniel Alexandrow on Orthodox Wiki". Retrieved 2007-05-26.
  26. ^ "Tah Erie". Retrieved 2007-05-26.
  27. ^ The ARDA Database has no precise figures on the membership of African American churches, so it provides an estimate of 25,000 members. The two Russian orthodox churches list no membership numbers. The Salvation Army lists over 4,000 members. Jews were under a thousand, while Quakers showed no membership.[1]Retrieved on June 1, 2007.
  28. ^ Baxter, Lou (May 1, 2007). "Erie Unemployment Falls". YourErie.com. Retrieved 2007-05-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ McNeel, Rick. "LORD History". LORD Corporation. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  30. ^ Carroll, Jim (2006-07-06). "Biodiesel could fuel economy". Erie Times-News. Retrieved 2007-07-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ Palatiella, Ed (2007-05-06). "Revised LERTA plan: Shorten program, target blighted areas". Erie Times-News. pp. 1A, 8A. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ Sillvio, Matt (April 27,2007). "Mayor Announces Lerta Plan". YourErie.com. Retrieved 2007-05-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ Miller, George (2007-05-15). "Erie Builds Master Plan". Erie Times-News. Retrieved 2007-05-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ a b "Saint Vincent History". Saint Vincent Health System. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  35. ^ a b "Hamot Awards&Reconigtion". Hamot Medical Center. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  36. ^ "Erie Shriners Hospital". Shriners. Retrieved 2007-06-12.
  37. ^ "2007 HAP Achievement Award Winners". HHAP. Retrieved 2007-06-12.
  38. ^ "Detailed History of Hamot". Hamot Medical Center. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  39. ^ "The Regional Cancer Centers Home Page". Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  40. ^ "Erie Sewer Department". The City of Erie. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  41. ^ "Lake Erie Ballet". Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  42. ^ "Erie Civic Music Association". Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  43. ^ "Warner Renovations Unveiled". WSEE-TV. March 23, 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  44. ^ "The Roadhouse Theater for Contemporary Art". Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  45. ^ "Great Lakes Film Association". Great Lakes File Festival. Retrieved 2007-06-25.
  46. ^ "Inventory of Historic Light Stations Pennsylvania Lighthouses–Erie Land Lighthouse". The National Park Service. Retrieved 2007-05-30.
  47. ^ "Whats Ne–Presque Isle Downs". Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  48. ^ "Presque Isle Downs Racing Overview". MTR Gaming. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  49. ^ Webb, Dennis. "Erie Host's McDonald's Classic". Blogger News. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  50. ^ Armas, Genaro. "General McLane Beats Greencastle Antrim". PennLive. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  51. ^ "TREC Features". Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  52. ^ a b ERIE 2007-2008 All Seasons Visitors Guide, Erie, 2007 {{citation}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  53. ^ "List of Largest Shopping Malls in the United States". American Studies at Eastern Connecticut State University. Retrieved 2007-05-27.
  54. ^ "The City Treasurers Office". City of Erie. Retrieved 2007-05-26.
  55. ^ "Current Council Members". City of Erie. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  56. ^ a b Bucsko, Mike (January 22, 2006). "Erie cuts work force". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  57. ^ Hahn, Tim (April 15, 2005). "Chief:Erie still safe". Erie Times-News. Retrieved 2007-06-29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  58. ^ Abogast, Sarah (June 28, 2007). "Erie Drug Bust". Action News 24. Retrieved 2007-06-28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  59. ^ a b c "Erie Crime". City-data.com. Retrieved 2007-06-29.
  60. ^ "Erie City School District Profile". GreatSchools.com. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  61. ^ a b "About the College". Penn State Erie. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  62. ^ "2007 Enrollment Numbers". Penn State Erie. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  63. ^ "Welcome Largest Class of Medical Students". LECOM. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  64. ^ "Lakers End Season Ranked No. 1". Mercyhurst Athletics. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  65. ^ "Visitors Center, Most Beautiful Campus". Allegheny College. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  66. ^ Flowers, Kevin, DiVecchio to Visit Community College, Erie Times-News, 10 May 2007, pg 6B; Exploratory trips have included visits to Lehigh Carbon Community College near Allentown, Pennsylvania in November 2006, and Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio in May 2007.
  67. ^ "A Brief History of the Erie County Public Library". Erie's Libraries. Retrieved 2007-05-21. {{cite web}}: Text "Erie Library" ignored (help)
  68. ^ "Raymond M. Blasco Library". City of Erie. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  69. ^ a b c "Pennsylvania's 2007 Transportation Program" (PDF). Pennsylvania DOT. August 3 2006. Retrieved 2007-05-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  70. ^ "Intercity Bus Service in Pennsylvania". The Transportation Advocacy Project. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  71. ^ Hofius, Sarah (2005-06-08). "Residents track changes along old railroad line". Erie Times-News. Retrieved 2007-06-26. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  72. ^ Carroll, Jim (March 04 2005). "Erie International 3rd in nation for increased passenger departures". Erie International Airport. Retrieved 2007-05-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  73. ^ "Erie Bayfront Transportation System". The Port of Erie. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  74. ^ "Great American Waterways". Great Lakes Cruise Company. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  75. ^ "Great American Waterways 2007". American Canadian Caribbean Line Itinerary. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
  76. ^ "Erie DMA". Time Warner. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
  77. ^ Miller, George (2007-03-24). "Erie adds Irish Sister City". Erie Times-News. Retrieved 2007-05-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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