Like any other major city, Erie has a great and rich history. It was first inhabited by Europeans in 1753. They settled in the region in the 1750s, with the French constructing Fort Presque Isle. This construction was part of the efforts to defend new France against the approaching British colonists. With Erie becoming an important economic hub in the region, several states started showing interest in it. On March 3, 1792, Erie became part of Pennsylvania. This was after Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York gave up their rights to the land. The three states sold the land rights to Pennsylvania for 70 cents per acre, totaling about $169,722. Upon the issuing of the continental certificate, Erie became part of Pennsylvania. In its early years, Erie was an important area for fishing, shipbuilding, and railroad transport. These factors contributed to its rapid development in the 19th century. Erie was the site where several sets of track gauges met. The convergence of track gauges made Erie a major transportation hub, with most parts of the state relying on it. With the significant demand for these transport systems, there were constant delays in the city's operations. For instance, delays in railway stations and ports due to a huge amount of goods slowed down the city’s operations. While the delays endangered cargo, they helped create jobs for locals. Erie's downtown continued to develop for most of the 20th century, with a thriving manufacturing base cultivating the city's growth. The city attracted a wave of European immigrants in the city, most of them looking for industrial jobs. During the Prohibition Era in the U.S., Erie was considered a wet city. However, its economy began to suffer in the latter part of the 20th century during the industrial restructuring. At this time, the city experienced a significant drop in income, with some residents moving to other areas. However, it recovered swiftly to become one of the largest economies in Pennsylvania.

Being one of the largest cities in Pennsylvania, Erie offers a wide range of things to do and see. Whether you want to explore nature centers, and museums, or engage in horse racing, Erie got it all. You will enjoy a wide range of theaters and shopping facilities spread across the city.
One of the best places to visit is the Presque Isle Park. This is a 3,200-acre peninsula filled with a marina, recreational trails, and numerous beaches for swimming. Just a short distance from Lake Erie, this state park provides a beautiful, romantic setting for a fun-filled day of fishing, swimming, hiking, bicycling, boating, and skating.
Besides, you can have a good time at the Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This is a one-of-a-kind zoo that houses some of the rarest animal species. A visit to this zoo will get you up close and personal with over 500 animals from different parts of the world. You will enjoy seeing warthogs, rhinos, and cheetahs. Besides, there is a rare variety of exotic animals from different parts of Africa. Kids will enjoy the carousels and train rides found within the zoo. There are also several spaces where you can participate in physical activities like hiking and biking.
You will also love the Erie Art Museum found in the city's downtown. This is the city's main art gallery and one of the largest in the northern region. It has a unique art collection that emphasizes modern art and folk art. The facility also hosts a jazz and blues concert series that attracts thousands of attendees. This makes it a great place to invest in real estate in Erie, Pennsylvania.