Lake Erie is a large lake located on the border of four states: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. It is the fourth-largest lake in the United States by surface area and the eleventh-largest lake in the world. It is named after the Erie tribe of Native Americans who lived along its southern shore. The lake has a rich history, having been an important part of the War of 1812 and the Underground Railroad. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals.