ERIE, a port on the lake of its own name in the ttpte of Pennsylvania, stands in lat. 42' 8' n., and long. 80" 10' west. Its harbor, one of the largest and best on the coast, is formed by an island of 4 m. in length, which, under the appellation of Presque isle, still preserves the memory of its having been a peninsula. The belt of water, which is thus sheltered, is known as Presque isle bay, and forms a natural harbor for the city. It is now protected by a breakwater. It is rn. long, and 1 m. wide, and varies in depth from 9 to 25 feet. While much has been done to improve the natural advantages of its position, E. has been connected by means of a canal with the Beaver, a feeder of the Ohio; and this work, independently of its navigable facilities, affords extensive water power to mills of different kinds. It is the terminus of the Philadelphia and Eric rail way, and is by other lines connected with New York, Cleveland, etc. This port is destined to become an important center of trade. Pop. '70, 19,646.
ERIE (ante), a city in Pennsylvania, on lake Erie, nearly midway between Buffalo and Cleveland. The town was laid out in 1795, was incorporated as a borough in 1S05, and in 1851 chartered as a city. It is the seat of justice for Erie county. It has had a rapid increase of population—from 3,412 in 1840 to 19,646 in 1870. It stands upon an
elevated bluff overlooking the lake; the streets are broad, intersecting each other at right angles; there are several parks, and the harbor is one of the best on the lake. Erie is connected by railroad with Buffalo on the e., Philadelphia on the s., and Cleve land, Detroit, etc., on the west. The manufactures of the place include steam-engines, stoves, machinery, car-wheels, bricks, leather, petroleum-refining, organs, pumps, furni ture, brass-works, and brewing. The extensive coastwise trade is carried on partly by steamers and partly by sailing vessels. The harbor, protected by the island of Presque Isle and by a breakwater, has a depth of from 9 to 25 ft.; and the docks are provided with every facility for the transfer of merchandise to and from the railroads. The prin cipal articles of shipment are lumber, coal, iron ore, and petroleum. There are several national banks, with an aggregate capital of nearly $1,000,000. The Union railway depot is a fine building, 400 ft. in length by 88 ft. in width. The schools are well organ ized, and there are 30 churches of different denominations. The fleet with which Perry defeated the British in the naval battle in Put-in bay, in the war of 1812-15, was built and equipped here.