At the foot of Sassafras Street, the Bayfront Promenade splits into two paths. The lower (left) path will take you to the intersection of State Street and the Bayfront Parkway. The upper (right) path will take you next to Dobbins Lane. It too ends at the intersection of State Street and the Bayfront Parkway.
Dobbins Lane is made of Medina stone which was cut in New York State and shipped to Erie for paving streets. The lane was paved with stone in 1890, but was removed in 1988 during the construction of 100 State Street. Once construction of the office building was complete, Dobbins Lane was restored.
Like Dobbins Landing, Dobbins Lane is named in honor of Daniel Dobbins, a Great Lakes mariner who was captured by the British in July 1812. Following his perilous escape, Dobbins traveled to the capital where he persuaded the Navy that an American presence was needed on Lake Erie. With his new rank of sailing master, Dobbins returned to Erie to gather supplies and oversee the task of building a “fleet in the wilderness.” The fleet Dobbins built came face to face with the British during the Battle of Lake Erie September 10, 1813.
At the end of the Bayfront Promenade, continue north on State Street and return to your parked vehicle at Dobbins Landing. We hope that you enjoyed the walking tour of the west bayfront!