About Erie

Erie, Pennsylvania is located in the northwestern part of the state on the shores of Lake Erie. It has been, for many years, a manufacturing center due to its proximity to the lake and other major cities such as Cleveland and Pittsburgh. It is the county seat for Erie County and is the largest city within the county borders. Erie is the third largest city in the state.

Erie, Pennsylvania has a colorful history dating back to before the Revolutionary War. The Indian tribe, with the same name, occupied the territory until at least 1753, when the French built a fort there. Fort Presque Isle remained under French occupancy until the later half of the Seven Year war, when the British took over the area. Erie officially became part of Pennsylvania in 1792. Erie continued to grow and prosper for many years, becoming the center hub for three railroads and a major manufacturing town. In the late 1970s, when the steel industry took a major hit, Erie lost many jobs and residents. Today, Erie has brought itself back from the brink and is a prosperous town again. Erie has turned into a major grape growing area and is a top producer of wine. Erie is home to the Presque Isle State Park. This area is a peninsula that juts out into the lake providing wonderful beaches and a terrific recreation area. The park boasts over 4 million visitors a year, which is tremendous considering the weather. Erie has your typical Great Lake weather pattern and is located in the snow belt. Winds off of Lake Erie bring a lot of snow to the area in winter.

A quick check of the Erie, Pennsylvania yellow pages will show that business remains strong in the area. Local shops, diners and area attractions can be found, with many of them located near Perry Square. Perry Square has been the center point of the city since its inception. Using the Erie, Pennsylvania business directory will help you find all these unique locations. Erie will remain an important city in Pennsylvania because of its position on the lake as well as its long history.

Written by Lyndsey Morgan