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Welcome To KEY TO THE CITY's Page For
Ypsilanti
Washtenaw County, Michigan
ZipCodes
48197, 48198
Motto
The City that Works
History & History-related items
Chamber of Commerce.
Organizations, Churches, and Sports.
Here is a map and directions page for Ypsilanti. Here is map page from the city.
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Ypsilanti, Michigan is named for the great Greek patriot, General Demetrius Ypsilanti, a hero in the Greek war for independence. It is pronounced: ip-suh-lan' tee
The city is located on the old Sauk Indian trail which crossed the Huron River. The area was also used as a camping and burial ground for several tribes. In the early 1800's, French explorers came and built the first structures here. Gabriel Godfrey was the trading post owner. Benjamin Woodruff came in 1823 and began a small settlement about a mile south. He named it Woodruff's Grove for himself.
Father Gabriel Richard, a US Congressman for the area, helped to bring about the federal highway known as the Chicago Road. The road was to cross the Huron River near Woodruff's Grove. A plat was drawn for a new settlement at this crossing. This settlement would become Ypsilanti.
The Chicago road was finally opened in 1835 and a number of new towns opened up along its route. The railroad was only three years behind the road. The first train depot was built in 1838 with a larger, masonry depot erected twenty years later. The area which grew up around the depot became known as the Depot Town district. Many of these structures are still standing today.
Ypsilanti prospered because of the river, the railroad and the road. As time went on into the 20th century, manufacturing and mills yielded to the new auto industry which became a major part of the Ypsilanti economy. Many elegant mansions were built here overlooking the Huron River. Ford Motor Company built a plant in Willow Run in 1941. It was converted over to wartime production during WWII. The B-24 bombers were built here during the war - one every 55 minutes!
For a good history go to the history page from the city of Ypsilanti. Here is another history page for the area
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In 1997, Ypsilanti adopted a sister city, Naphalia, Greece.
Naphalia is the final resting place of General Demetrius Ypsilanti.
Ypsilanti is the home of Eastern Michigan University.
Learn more about Ypsilanti at this website created by Ardis Elementary School students.
Depot Town
Cross Street
Ypsilanti, MI
Phone: 734-483-4444
A historic business district in Ypsilanti with antique shops and an antique car dealer. The Ypsilanti Farmer's Market is on Wednesday and Saturday.
Michigan Antique Fire Equipment Museum
110 W. Cross St.
Ypsilanti, MI
Phone: 734-547-0663
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