Prior to 1792, the region was claimed by both New York and Pennsylvania and so no county demarcations were made until the federal government intervened.

[6] The county was originally settled by immigrants of "Yankee" stock (immigrants from New England and the western part of New York descended from the English Puritans whose ancestors settled New England in the colonial era).

Erie County resembled Upstate New York more than it did Pennsylvania with its population primarily consisting of settlers from Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine.

[7] Roads were laid out, post routes established, public buildings erected and people were invited to move there.

With the exception of a high ridge several miles from the lake, running nearly parallel with its shore, the terrain is generally rolling and well watered.

[10] It is the only county in the state that occupies a significant amount of land north of the 42nd parallel.

Other notable population centers include Millcreek, Harborcreek, Summit and Fairview townships, and the boroughs of Edinboro, North East, Girard, Waterford and Union City.

[19] Davis assumed the office on January 3, 2022, following the retirement of County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper.

[20] Chart of Voter Registration Unlike most of northwestern Pennsylvania, Erie County tends to lean Democratic in statewide and national elections.

Council Chairman Jay Breneman and colleagues Andre Horton, Kathy Fatica and Fiore Leone voted in favor of sponsoring the community college, which was later signed by County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper.

The County Executive's administration took the lead in presenting the proposal to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education for approval, supported by a cross-section of business, civic, labor, and community leaders.

The Main Library is praised for its waterfront views of the Presque Isle Bay, where the historic U.S. Brig Niagara is often located.

The library was moved to this location approximately 25 years ago, from its previous home in the center of downtown Erie.

[28] The second floor of the Main Library is home to an art collection, containing historic pieces like Summer Afternoon, Isle of Shoals by Frederick Childe Hassam.

[28] The library also provides a heritage room where one can conduct genealogy research concerning their ancestors who resided in Erie County or Northwest Pennsylvania.

[30] Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: cities, boroughs, townships, and, in at most two cases, towns.

The following cities, boroughs and townships are located in Erie County: Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data.