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Erie, Pennsylvania: Victims of Millard Fillmore's Salute

In 1849 President Zachary Taylor was laid up in Erie by a stomach cramp. VP Millard Fillmore paid him a visit. When Fillmore left, the U.S. Steamer Michigan fired a salute, but the gun blew up and killed two sailors. They're buried here, with a headstone that briefly recounts the event.

Erie Cemetery

Address:
2116 Chestnut St., Erie, PA
Directions:
Entrance on the west side of Chestnut St. between W. 21st and W. 22nd Sts. Ask at the office for directions to U.S. Steamer Michigan graves.
Hours:
M-F 8-5, Sa 9-12 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
814-459-2463
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Sailor memorial.

Victims of Millard Fillmore's Salute

If you stop in the cemetery office, ask for directions to the War of 1812 Monument. This memorial is right next to it. Otherwise, you can drive straight until the circle and exit to the left. Continue straight and turn right when you see the "Do not enter" sign. Continue up the hill and around the bends and you'll see the marker on the left.

Apparently the original marker toppled over and they restored and rededicated the memorial in 2013. It's a lovely old cemetery that would be fun to explore.

[Annie, 08/10/2022]
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Roadside Presidents App for iPhone. Find this attraction and more: museums, birthplaces, graves of the Chief Execs, first ladies, pets, assassins and wannabes. Prez bios and oddball trivia. Available on the App Store.

Nearby Offbeat Places

Fruits of Labor: Horse-Drawn EarthFruits of Labor: Horse-Drawn Earth, Erie, PA - < 1 mi.
Mad Anthony Wayne's Kettle of DeathMad Anthony Wayne's Kettle of Death, Erie, PA - 1 mi.
Statue of LiberfrogStatue of Liberfrog, Erie, PA - 1 mi.
In the region:
Greenville Railroad Park, Greenville, PA - 51 mi.

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