Depot Town in Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Michigan Central Freighthouse

Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016

1. Michigan Central Freighthouse Marker

Inscription. The Michigan Central Railroad (MCRR) came to Ypsilanti in 1838, transforming the farming community into a transportation center. This Italianate structure, built in 1878, increased the freight-handling capacity of the MCRR's Ypsilanti complex. Goods and produce were shipped across the U.S. and Canada. In 1979 the city acquired the building, opening it as a community center and farmers market the following year.

Erected 2000 by Michigan Historical Center, Michigan Deparment of State. (Marker Number L2029.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 42° 14.817′ N, 83° 36.628′ W. Marker is in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Depot Town. It is on Rice Street 0.1 miles north of East Cross Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Rice Street, Ypsilanti MI 48198, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Last Hudson Dealership (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Oliver House (about 300 feet away); The Real McCoy (about 300 feet away);

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Michigan Central Railroad Gardens (about 300 feet away); Michigan Central Railroad Depot (about 300 feet away); The Thompson Building (about 300 feet away); Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company (about 400 feet away); Early Days in Depot Town (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ypsilanti.

Michigan Central Freighthouse and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016

2. Michigan Central Freighthouse and Marker

Ypsilanti Historic Structure Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, October 19, 2016

3. Ypsilanti Historic Structure Plaque

The plaque can be seen in the photo of the building, just to the left of the historical marker.

Michigan Central Freighthouse Directional Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, March 28, 2017

4. Michigan Central Freighthouse Directional Sign

Sign at the southwest corner of East Forest Avenue and Rice Street, about 0.2 mile north of the Freighthouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 20, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 970 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 20, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4. submitted on May 9, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.