It was founded in 1795 after purchase of the Erie Triangle Flagship city is used to be called Gem City, some say for the sparkling bay. It is also home port of the Brig Niagara (reconstructed flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry) Erie is the third largest city in Pennsylvania and the 127th safest American City. Pennsylvania's only lake port city is this one. Over 10% of the nation's plastic injection molding is done in Erie 4 of the nation's Top 50 plastic companies are located in Erie Erie's largest employer is General Electric Transportation Systems, manufacturer of locomotives. Presque Isle Bay is surrounded by a 7-mile peninsula An average of 1.5 million fish are caught each year in Lake Erie, its bays and tributaries. It is home to the oldest land lighthouse on the Great Lakes Land. It has remarkable diversity of industries, products include- electrical machinery and parts, steam shovels, furniture, and toys Name derives from Eriez Indians that spoke the Iroquois language. "Millionaire's Row," along W. 6th St. are a collection of 19th century Victorian homes/mansions. Land area: City - 19.3 square miles County - 812.6 square miles Population: 103,717 The main attractions in the city are: - Waldameer & Waterworld: Over 75 rides, slides, and water attractions -Warner Theatre: Major cultural arts center in the region, Commissioned by the Warner Brothers in 1929, Seats more than 2,500 people, Currently under renovation to upgrade and preserve historical character -The Erie Playhouse and The Roadhouse Theatre for Contemporary Art: Features a range of performing shows from musicals to dramas The Erie Philharmonic: 3rd oldest symphony orchestra in the U.S., Performs throughout the whole year -The Erie Junior Philharmonic: In its 47th year -Lake Erie Ballet: Does 10 performances each year, 5 professional dance members and a number of apprentice dancers perform -Erie Art Museum: Located in Old Custom House, many changing art exhibits -The Erie Children's Museum's : For ages 2 to 12, and has interactive displays in the worlds of science and humanities -Erie History Center- comprehensive library and archives on Erie County's history -The Raymond M. Blasco M.D. Memorial Library: 3rd Largest in Pennsylvania, Erie Maritime Museum is located inside, 95,000 sq. ft., 19 miles of telecommunications cable, seats over 300 patrons, more than 250,000 books and 50,000 audio/video tapes -Victorian Princess: Wheel paddleboat, offers dinner cruises and catered meals -Millcreek Mall: No sales tax on apparel, 1.5 million sq. ft., more than 150 stores, employs some 2,700 people, during holiday rush- 4,000 -Asbury Woods and Greenway- no admission charge: Cottage nature center, 4.5 miles of trails, boardwalks, and gardens -Erie Summer Festival of the Arts- at Liberty Park & Pepsi Amphitheater- free performances and art exhibits -Discover Presque Isle- week-long celebration -Cherry Festival- in North East -HarborFest- in Harborcreek -Wine Country Harvest Festival - in North East, sample local grapes. For more information on wineries and tours, check out the Lake Erie Quality Wine Alliance Website. -Dan Rice Days- in Girard -First Night Erie- alcohol- and drug-free New Year's Eve event -Winter Carnival- Dobbins Landing on the Bayfront -Sports: Erie SeaWolves at Jerry Uht Park AA affiliate of the Detroit Tigers plays from Apr. to Sept. Jerry Uht Park- seats 6,000; Erie Otters at the Louis J. Tullio Arena (established in 1996, part of the Ontario Hockey League 2002 won Robertson Cup and became OHL Champions); Tullio Arena Ice shows, concerts, circuses, and basketball matches 5,500 permanent seats, but can be expanded to 7,000.