All Hail to Old Strong Vincent

by Christine Lorraine Morgan, January 31, 2026

Strong Vincent High School was originally set to be named West High School, until local veterans insisted it should be named in honor of Civil War Brigadier General Strong Vincent.

This is one of Erie’s most impressive architectural structures. Spanning a city block, Strong Vincent was built during the 1920s when Erie was experiencing a period of amazing masonry work. It was dedicated in 1930 amid a bit of a hubbub over the name, which resulted in a victory for the vets.

The top postcard image from 1933 shows trolley tracks, a transportation service which stopped operating in Erie two years later. One can only imagine what it was like to ride a trolley to school.

Image captions offer additional details about this historic educational structure, which has withstood nearly a century of countless students making use of its numerous classrooms and lengthy hallways.

Strong Vincent High School as photographed during golden hour in 2016. Shortly after this image was taken it was repurposed as a middle school.

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This magnificent city-block-long structure was constructed during the 1920s, and open for class in 1930. This 1933 postcard image shows trolley tracks as well as some very cool old cars. Wonder if they belonged to teachers or students?

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This artistic rendition of Strong Vincent High School is from a 1974 high school diploma. Artist unknown.

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Historical Marker in Waterford: “COL. STRONG VINCENT (1837-1863) Civil War hero was born at the NW corner of First and Cherry Streets. A major turning point in the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg resulted from his independent and decisive action on July 2 in detaching his brigade (including the 83rd Pa. Regiment) to occupy and defend Little Round Top. Mortally wounded while rallying his men, he died July 2, four days after he had been promoted to brigadier general for gallantry.”