Depot Town in Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Early Days in Depot Town
It was through the efforts of the pioneer businessman Mark Norris, that the Cross Street bridge was finally built linking the two villages in 1859. In that same year, the village charter was signed and Chauncy Joslin was elected Ypsilanti's first mayor. A new City Hall and jail (6 West Cross) were built near the Northwest end of the Cross Street bridge.
The Italianate Commercial style building, formerly the Huron House at (25-27 East Cross) was built by Benjamin Follett, M. Norris, I.G. Corklin & M.L. Shutts in 1859. The west portion (17 & 19 East Cross) was later added and became known as the Follett House. The three story hotel held a ballroom on the third floor, sleeping rooms on the second floor, and retail shops on the street level. It was said to be the grandest on the Michigan Central Railroad Line. It had steamed heat and guests dined on fish caught fresh from the Huron River. Many well known entertainers, including Tom Thumb, Buffalo Bill Cody and singer Jenny Lind performed in the ballroom. At one time the ballroom was also used by the Ypsilanti High School basketball team for home games.
Also...
In Michigan : Thomas Edison, raised in Port Huron, sold newspapers on the Grand Trunk Railway that ran between Detroit, Mt. Clemens and Port Huron in 1959.
American Events: Ratification of the 13th Amendment t the U.S. Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, freed slaves in 1865.
Donated by Scott & Freda Klaassen
Erected 1998 by Depot Town Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 42° 14.764′ N, 83° 36.595′ W. Marker is in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Depot Town. Marker is on East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is along the sidewalk between 29 and 33 East Cross Street, about 350 feet west of North River Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29 East Cross Street, Ypsilanti MI 48198, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company (here, next to this marker); The Thompson Building (here, next to this marker); Michigan Central Railroad Depot (here, next to this marker); Michigan Central Railroad Gardens (a few steps from this marker); The Real McCoy (a few steps from this marker); The Oliver House (a few steps from this marker); The Last Hudson Dealership (a few steps from this marker); Michigan Central Freighthouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ypsilanti.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 478 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 29, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.