Depot Town in Ypsilanti in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Prospect Park
Registered Michigan Historic Site
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 2, 2017
1. Prospect Park Marker
In 1842 this site became Ypsilanti's second cemetery, and at one time approximately 250 people were buried here. However, when Highland Cemetery opened in 1864, the use of this site began to decline. Inspired by a nationwide parks movement, in 1891 a group of local women began working to convert the by-then-neglected cemetery into the city's first park. Funds were raised, the remaining bodies were moved, the grounds were graded, trees were planted and walks were installed. Luna Lake, with its rustic fountain, was built. Completed in 1893, Prospect Park soon became noted for its floral carpet beds and its bandstand and dance pavilion. In 1902 a coastal defense canon was purchased from Fort McCleary, Maine, and erected here. The park became an object of renewed community pride after a major 1982-84 rejuvenation project.
Erected 1985 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1137.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
Location. 42° 14.771′ N, 83° 36.153′ W. Marker is in Ypsilanti, Michigan
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hudsons & Friends (approx. ¼ mile away); Ypsilanti (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Barracks / Ypsilanti in the Civil War (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Thompson Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ypsilanti Woolen Mill Company (approx. 0.4 miles away); Early Days in Depot Town (approx. 0.4 miles away); Michigan Central Railroad Depot (approx. 0.4 miles away); Michigan Central Railroad Gardens (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ypsilanti.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 2, 2017
2. Prospect Park and Marker
Photographed By Joel Seewald, February 2, 2017
3. Prospect Park Cannon
via Yspilanti Historical Museum, unknown
4. The Cannon in Prospect Park
Historical Markers & Statues Ypsilanti, Michigan website entry:
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Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 659 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 2, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4. submitted on April 17, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
