Millcreek Township near Erie in Erie County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Driving Force
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 12, 2019
Erie native Jim Thompson worked to improve visitor access to the park and to protect the shoreline of the peninsula. As one of his governmental duties, Thompson was a member of the Pennsylvania State Park and Harbor Commission from 1927 to 1931.
At a time when automobiles were replacing horses and streetcars, nearly two thirds of the peninsula was inaccessible to vehicles. Thompson recognized the need to connect the roads, making a complete loop around the park. Through his efforts, projects designed to accommodate increasing numbers of park visitors became a reality.
Visitors can enjoy the sandy beaches and natural beauty of Presque Isle in part due to Jim Thompson's contributions. Thompson's wife, Millie, donated a marker at Thompson Circle to commemorate her husband's dedicated service to the park. It is directly across the road on your your left.
In the Fall of 1921, the shores of Presque Isle were reinforced by large rock structures. As you walk along the beach today, you may notice various forms of shoreline protection built over the last 100 years.
Trail Rule
Please share the trail
Erected by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.
Location. 42° 9.995′ N, 80° 5.04′ W. Marker is near Erie, Pennsylvania, in Erie County. It is in Millcreek Township. Marker is on Peninsula Drive north of Coast Guard Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Erie PA 16507, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Budny Beach (approx. 0.4 miles away); And the Misery begins… (approx. 0.8 miles away); Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry Monument (approx. 0.8 miles away); Perry Monument: A Beacon of the Community (approx. 0.9 miles away); From the Bay to the Battle (approx. 0.9 miles away); Tribute to a Hero (approx. 0.9 miles away); Son of the Sea (approx. 0.9 miles away); Erie's Industrial Explosion (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Erie.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 12, 2019
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 12, 2019
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 16, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.