Perry Square Civil War Statue 1875 Erie PA

Old Time Erie Civil War statue near 6th and Peach circa 1875.

Here is a rare photograph of the Civil War statue in Perry Square near 6th and Peach St. in Erie, PA. The inscription on the front states, "In memory of the Soldiers and Sailors from Erie County who gave their lives to save the Union." The back reads, "We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."

Perry Square was named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812. Peach Street was a dirt road when this photo was taken. The fence, gaslight and water fountain shown in this picture no longer exist. The monument, however, still stands; it is within walking distance from City Hall, the Erie County Courthouse and the Federal Courthouse.

Enjoy more facts and pictures of historic Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie