Pennsylvania's western and northern borders were both fixed by 1789. In September 1790, "Pennsylvania formed and adopted her Constitution." Erie County was formed in 1792. This informative history covers a wide range of topics including: transportation, from the first road built by the French in 1753 to canals, railroads, and shipping; commerce, such as the salt trade and the development of banks, insurance, the gas company, and fire companies; schools, including common, normal, and Sabbath schools, as well as academies; religions, churches, and missionaries; town historical sketches; biographical sketches of prominent men; the War of 1812; geology; and numerous miscellaneous subjects. Lists include population counts, post offices and post masters in 1830 and 1856, president judges of the Court of Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions for 1800 to 1887, members of Congress, sheriffs, and coroners, among others. Additional information, expanding on the above topics as well as introducing new material, is found in the Supplement added for this "new and enlarged edition;" this section comprises about one-fourth of the book. Many quotes are taken from contemporary newspapers and letters. The existing index has been upgraded to include every name (not just the surnames) and the place names have been retained.