On State Highway 17 at Emmet Street, on the right when traveling north on State Highway 17.
Side 1
Located at the juncture of old Indian trails and the Huron River, this area was the camping and burying ground for several Indian tribes. In 1809 Gabriel Godfroy established an Indian trading post on the west bank of the Huron . . . — — Map (db m90681) HM
Near Terhune Road, on the right when traveling east.
To the patriots and pioneers who lie buried here Ensign John Terhune 1759 - 1839 a soldier in the Revolutionary War his wife Sarah Vreeland Terhune and Emily Whitmore 1807 - 1825 the first white child to be buried in Washtenaw County — — Map (db m236113) HM
Near Terhune Road at Lillian Road, on the right when traveling east.
Terhune Memorial Park contains the gravestones of John Terhune, Sarah Vreeland
Terhune, and Emily Whitmore. The stones were moved to this location from the
cemetery at the corner of Packard and Burton Roads by the Daughters of the American . . . — — Map (db m198487) HM
On West Cross Street (Michigan Route 17) at North Adams Street, on the right when traveling west on West Cross Street.
For 100 years on this site the people of Ypsilanti have maintained free public education, 1848—1948.
Erected by the National Honor Society, 1949: Jack Bush • William Hawes • Dorothy Houck • Karlin Johnson • Betty Mead • Marlene Moffett • Lowell . . . — — Map (db m229626) HM
On Norris Street at East Forest Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Norris Street.
Manufacturing here spanned most of the 20th Century,
reflecting the changing economy in Ypsilanti and in America. In 1907 the Ypsilanti Hay Press Company first built a factory here by the Huron River and the railroad tracks to make . . . — — Map (db m98955) HM
On North River Road, on the right when traveling north.
This Statue
was presented by
Mary-Ann Starkweather
1861-1865
Erected by the Women's
Relief Corps of Ypsilanti
in memory of the men who in
the War of the Great Rebellion
fought to uphold their
country's flag . . . — — Map (db m14142) HM
On West Cross Street (Michigan Route 17) at North Washington Street, on the right when traveling west on West Cross Street.
To commemorate students, teachers and alumni of the Ypsilanti High School who served their country in The World War, 1914–1918. — — Map (db m229617) WM
On East Cross Street east of North Huron Street, on the right when traveling east.
Plaque 1:
In honor of
our brave men
of the 107th Field Signal Battalion U. S. A.
which brigaded with the
32nd Division
rendered distinguished service at
Chateau Thierry, Soissons, Fismes,
Juvigny, and in the Argonne
and in memory . . . — — Map (db m160300) WM
On North Huron Street at Pearl Street, on the right when traveling north on North Huron Street.
To commemorate
the first settlement
in Washtenaw County
Godfroy's on the Pottawatomie Trail
Established by Gabriel Godfroy in 1809 — — Map (db m235731) HM
On East Cross Street at North River Street, on the right when traveling east on East Cross Street.
The building has stories to tell
It can tell about first being built as an electric plant before being converted to manufacturing in 1905. There are memories of 1916 when it became the first Dodge dealership outside Detroit, later becoming a . . . — — Map (db m94320) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (State Highway 17) 0.1 miles east of South Huron Street (Business U.S. 12), on the right.
The early automotive industry came to Ypsilanti
just after World War I. In 1919, Apex Motor Corporation built a small factory on River Street just south of Michigan Avenue to manufacture various "Ace" vehicles. But by 1925 three . . . — — Map (db m98724) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (State Highway 17) 0.1 miles east of South Huron Street (Business U.S. 12), on the right when traveling east.
Henry Ford wasn't the first to harness the flowing Huron River.
In the 1880s, dams built along the river through Ypsilanti provided waterpower to mills processing paper, wool, lumber, and grain. In 1931, Ford bought property along the river . . . — — Map (db m98723) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (State Highway 17) 0.1 miles east of South Huron Street (Business U.S. 12), on the right when traveling east.
It's hard to count all the brands of automobiles
that were sold on the south side of Michigan Avenue. Right here, between the Huron River Bridge and Park Street, 17 auto dealers sold 31 different brands of cars and trucks during the 1900s. . . . — — Map (db m98722) HM
On North River Street at East Cross Street, on the right when traveling north on North River Street.
The Barracks
When the Civil War began in 1861, this corner site housed a commercial building called the Norris Block. Its location across the street from the railroad station made it an ideal place for short-term lodging for enlistees . . . — — Map (db m101216) HM
On North River Street at East Cross Street, on the right when traveling north on North River Street.
It was America's "first completely new car in fifty years"
and the vision in 1945 of Preston Tucker, who lived at 110 North Park Street in Ypsilanti. He was the general manager of his family's Ypsilanti Machine & Tool Company at 103 North . . . — — Map (db m98420) HM
On East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west.
In 1827, a sawmill was built on the Huron River just south of Forest Avenue. Later a grist mill was built on the site and finally in 1839, the Eagle Flouring Mill was constructed there. It burned in 1856.
In the early 1860s, the Ypsilanti . . . — — Map (db m102392) HM
On Ballard Street at Emmett Street, on the right when traveling south on Ballard Street.
This boulder marks the site of the house where Reverend John D. Pierce, founder of the public school system in Michigan, lived from 1867 to 1880. — — Map (db m96266) HM
On State Highway 17 at North Summit Street, on the left when traveling east on State Highway 17.
Side 1
The Ypsilanti Water Tower was designed by William R. Coats and constructed as part of an elaborate city waterworks project that began in 1889. Located on the highest point in Ypsilanti, the tower was completed in 1890. It is 147 . . . — — Map (db m95370) HM
On Whittaker Road at Willis Road, on the right when traveling east on Whittaker Road.
This statue of Abraham Lincoln was dedicated
on May 4, 1938. This 13 foot limestone rendering
of our 16th President is the creation of artist,
Samuel Cashwan. The project was funded by
the Federal Works Project Administration
(W.P.A.) and by . . . — — Map (db m210819) HM
On Bemis Road, 0.1 miles west of Tuttle Hill Road, on the right when traveling west.
Alban Cemetery was organized on June 20, 1885, at the Evangelical Friends Church. The Alban family spearheaded the establishment of the cemetery. The land was originally deeded by Lemmanuel Allen to the Gordon family for that purpose. The Alban . . . — — Map (db m171185) HM
On College Place at West Cross Street, on the right when traveling south on College Place.
Founded by legislative action in 1849 as the Michigan State Normal School, it was the first state teacher education school west of Albany. Its aim was to provide instruction "in the art of teaching and in all the various branches that pertain to a . . . — — Map (db m91656) HM
On West Michigan Avenue, 0.1 miles east of South Adams Street, on the right when traveling east.
Canada-born Elijah McCoy (1843-1929) automated steam engine maintenance, previously done by hand, by patenting an automatic lubricator in 1872. By 1926 he had patented more than forty lubricating devices used internationally on trains and boats and . . . — — Map (db m173420) HM
On West Cross Street (State Highway 17) at North Huron Street on West Cross Street.
Something had to be done.
Constructed in 1898 and in service for over 75 years, this firehouse combined two separate volunteer fire companies into one centalized fire station. A paid department and a dedicated building represented a major . . . — — Map (db m98474) HM
On North Washington Street at Washtenaw Avenue, on the right when traveling south on North Washington Street.
When the First Methodist Episcopal Church opened in June 1892, the Ypsilantian called it "an ornament to the city." The church typifies Akron Plan churches, popular among late nineteenth century Protestants. The Akron architectural firm of . . . — — Map (db m90905) HM
On North Washington Street at Emmet Street, on the left when traveling south on North Washington Street.
Originally built in 1857 with a single, central spire, the First Presbyterian Church was greatly enlarged and rededicated in 1899. Detroit architect Julius Hess redesigned the church, using the original sanctuary walls, and added a columned entrance . . . — — Map (db m90667) HM
On North River Street, 0.1 miles north of Holmes Road, on the right when traveling south.
Highland is typical of the "rural tradition" cemetery design which emphasizes its natural setting. This design originated in France and was first seen in Greenwood Cemetery in New York. Highland Cemetery, as well as Forest Hill in Ann Arbor, was . . . — — Map (db m174343) HM
On North Washington Street at Emmet Street, on the left when traveling south on North Washington Street.
This house, built prior to 1842 by Arden Ballard, has been recognized by the Historic American Building Survey as a model of Greek Revival architecture. The house was purchased by the Ladies' Literary Club in 1913. — — Map (db m90645) HM
On Willis Road at Whittaker Road, on the right when traveling west on Willis Road.
This School District, first named "Agricultural Rural
Training School No. 1 of Ypsilanti and Augusta Townships"
was renamed Lincoln Consolidated School, because the
school board felt "It was the fulfillment of the ideals for
which Abraham . . . — — Map (db m210816) HM
On Whittaker Road near Willis Road, on the right when traveling south.
The first multi-township school in Michigan
and the first rural consolidated school in the
United States affiliated with the teacher
training college.
This exemplary rural consolidated school
was founded under the leadership of
Dr. M.S. . . . — — Map (db m210818) HM
On North River Street at East Clark Road, on the left when traveling south on North River Street.
The parish of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ypsilanti was founded by Father Thomas Cullen in 1844. The parish built a small wooden Catholic Church on the corner of Cross and Hamilton Streets. In 1858 a brick church replaced the wooden . . . — — Map (db m174345) HM
On South Park Street at East Michigan Avenue (Michigan Highway 17), on the right when traveling north on South Park Street.
You can get hungry building B-24 bombers.
The Bomber Restaurant was first given its name in 1942 by Florence Bladwin [sic] Averill. The massive Ford B-24 bomber plant had just opened at nearby Willow Run Airport to supply aircraft . . . — — Map (db m98698) HM
On West Circle Drive, 0.2 miles west of Oakwood Street, on the right when traveling east.
The Town Hall School built on the Geddes farm, carries with it a rich family and educational tradition. The first Geddes came to this area in 1824 and the family possesses the 1827 deed to the farm signed by President John Quincy Adams. In 1852, . . . — — Map (db m95367) HM
[Marker Front]:
Willow Run (1941-1953)
After entering World War II in 1941, America desperately needed military equipment and supplies. The Ford Motor Company had begun building this factory in April 1941. Outstanding industrial . . . — — Map (db m14296) HM
On North Huron Street (State Highway 17) at Emmett Street, on the right when traveling north on North Huron Street.
This lovely building has been many homes.
It was built in the Italianate style in 1860, as our nation's Civil War approached, for the family of bank president Asa Dow. It continued as a home for families until 1922. As apartments, it . . . — — Map (db m96994) HM
On East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west.
In the 1840s and 1850s, the community that grew up around the depot was known by the old-timers as the "East Side." A rivalry over business development in Ypsilanti between East side and the West side, the dividing line being the Huron River, was . . . — — Map (db m102374) HM
On West Michigan Avenue (Business U.S. 12) at North Huron Street, on the right when traveling west on West Michigan Avenue.
Along the road, a welcoming tradition.
The road was once called the Sauk Trail, the Military Chicago Road, Congress Road, and, eventually, Michigan Avenue. For travel by foot, horse, stagecoach, truck, or automobile, it has endured as a . . . — — Map (db m98488) HM
On North Huron Street (Michigan Route 17), on the right when traveling north.
Grand Army of the Republic
Dedicated by
Carpenter's Woman's Relief Corps No. 65
Carpenter's Camp No. 180 Sons of Union Veterans
Martha Beach Tent No. 5 Daughters of Union Veterans
Ypsilanti, Mich. 1924 — — Map (db m165342) WM
On Rice Street, 0.1 miles north of East Cross Street.
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 . . . — — Map (db m98954) HM
On East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west.
The railroad came to Ypsilanti in 1838. The inaugural ride was truly a distinguished party that included the 19 year old "Boy Governor," Stevens T. Mason and John D. Pierce, the first State Superintendent of Education. Their arrival on a cold . . . — — Map (db m103371) HM
On East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west.
The triangular plot of land along River Street was originally called "Cass Plat" in honor of Governor Lewis Cass. It later became a children's playground.
The Ypsilanti Depot Gardens were the pride of the Central Railroad Line. Mr. John . . . — — Map (db m103347) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (State Highway 17) at North Park Street, on the left when traveling east on East Michigan Avenue.
Michigan's first interurban, the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, began operating in 1890. Pulled by a steam engine, the cars went west on Packard Road to the Ann Arbor city limits. Because of the low fares (10 cents one way) and frequent service (cars . . . — — Map (db m90632) HM
On East Cross Street at NOrth Prospect Road, on the left when traveling east on East Cross Street.
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 . . . — — Map (db m101206) HM
Near East Cross Street at North River Street, on the right when traveling west.
The building, originally occupied by the Ypsilanti Electric Company in 1896, became a Dodge automobile dealership in 1917. Joseph H. Thompson was one of the first Dodge dealers in Michigan. In 1933 Hudson Sales and Services opened its doors, later . . . — — Map (db m94400) HM
On East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west.
Each day, many passenger trains stopped in Depot Town. Many hotels were built to accommodate the number of travelers stopping in the area. The building, known then as the Carr Hotel was built in the 1870s. It later became The Neat House, Lewis . . . — — Map (db m103293) HM
On East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west.
Among the many contributions to the Industrial Revolution few are more important than the lubricating cup, invented by Elijah McCoy. He was born in Canada, educated in Scotland and made Ypsilanti his home. As a fireman on the Michigan Central . . . — — Map (db m103321) HM
On East Cross Street, on the right when traveling west.
This building's history is one of the most fascinating in Depot Town. It was built with bricks brought from Mark Norris' Western Hotel which was previously destroyed by fire. The Thompson Building opened in 1861 just as the first shots of the Civil . . . — — Map (db m102411) HM
On South Ann Arbor Street, on the right when traveling north.
The joining together of many stores produced Saline's first major business block. The all wood framed buildings served the community from c 1830 to 1881 when a fire destroyed the entire block. Rebuilt of brick in the Italianate Style it prospered . . . — — Map (db m236172) HM
On West Huron Street east of Ashley Street, on the left when traveling east.
In 1929 long-distance buses replaced the electric interurban for travel between Ann Arbor and other cities. The first interurban in the state had linked Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti in 1891. Junius Beal, UM Regent and one of the main stockholders, . . . — — Map (db m156609) HM
On Capital Avenue Northeast near Elm Street, on the right when traveling east.
This flamboyant Arts and Crafts style house was constructed in 1912. Its first resident, Seirn B. Cole (1861-1947), was a native of New Jersey. He and his wife, Elizabeth Farmer, lived in Detroit before they moved here where Cole was the contractor . . . — — Map (db m177341) HM
Near North Washington Square, on the right when traveling north.
Educated first in Odawa (Ottawa) skills and traditions, Andrew J. Blackbird struggled to find the resources to Euro-American schools. He eventually studied at Ypsilanti State Normal School. His command of English enabled him to work as an . . . — — Map (db m103710) HM
On Union Street at High Street, on the right on Union Street.
Governor of Michigan, 1927-1931, Fred W. Green was born in Manistee in 1872 and grew up in Cadillac. A partner in the Ypsilanti Reed Furniture Co., he moved the business to Ionia in 1904. Attracted to politics, he served twelve terms as mayor of . . . — — Map (db m215975) HM
On U.S. 12, 0.3 miles west of State Highway 39, on the right when traveling west.
Conrad Ten Eyck (1782-1847) built a famous tavern in 1826 about 300 feet west of this marker--the first resting place of travelers, one day's trip west of Detroit. It stood on the River Rouge at a point where the Chicago Road forked. The northerly . . . — — Map (db m32498) HM
On East Main Street north of Adrian Street, on the left when traveling south.
The intersection of Main and Adrian Streets is considered the "heart" of downtown Manchester, and the first commercial buildings were constructed here in 1832-1833.
Why is Manchester Located . . . — — Map (db m206190) HM
On Main Street (State Highway 119) west of Judd Street, on the left when traveling west.
Educated first in Odawa (Ottawa) skills and traditions, Andrew J. Blackbird struggled to find the resources to attend Euro-American schools. He eventually studied at Ypsilanti State Normal School. His command of English enabled him to work as an . . . — — Map (db m97603) HM
Near North Washington Square, on the right when traveling north.
Born in Canada to parents who had once been enslaved in Kentucky, Elijah McCoy studied engineering in Scotland. He settled in Ypsilanti after the Civil War, intending to work as a mechanical engineer. Although discrimination limited him to the . . . — — Map (db m103724) HM
State Highway Department
Created in 1905, the State Highway Department, the precursor to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), revolutionized U.S. highway travel. Working with the Wayne County Road Commission, the agency paved . . . — — Map (db m214721) HM
In 1844 Benjamin Ticknor, a U.S. naval surgeon from Connecticut, built this Classic Revival house on his 183-acre farm in Pittsfield Township. He used cobblestone construction, which originated in upstate New York. The rear wing includes a small . . . — — Map (db m101798) HM
Forest Hill is typical of the "rural tradition" cemetery design which emphasizes its natural setting. This design originated in France and was first seen in Greenwood Cemetery in New York. This cemetery, as well as Highland in Ypsilanti, was . . . — — Map (db m181766) HM
On North 4th Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
By the 1880s the area between downtown and the railroad along the Huron River supplied lumber, carts and carriages, stone work, coal, oil, and gas. Business owners and workers lived nearby amid a changing ethnic and racial mix. . . . — — Map (db m236169) HM
On Maiden Lane at Freesia Court, on the right when traveling east on Maiden Lane.
Native Americans came from the northeast down the Pontiac Trail from the east down the Broadway hill following a trail that went through what later became Plymouth, and from the southeast up the Huron River along the Potawatomi Trail from what . . . — — Map (db m181976) HM
On Broad Street at 3rd Street, on the left when traveling north on Broad Street.
Dexter Depot
The Michigan Central Railroad reached Dexter from Detroit on July 4, 1841, just after Dexter's first depot was completed. Frederick H. Spier of Detroit designed the present depot, which was completed in record time. Work began on . . . — — Map (db m54861) HM
On Plymouth Road at Gottfredson Road, on the right when traveling west on Plymouth Road.
The red brick building is the third structure to house Geer School. .The first was a log building constructed in 1829, the second a frame structure nearby. The elected school director, William Geer, donated the land in 1880 and contracted with . . . — — Map (db m170618) HM
On Reno Monument Road at the Appalachian Trail, on the right when traveling west on Reno Monument Road.
More than 90,000 Michigan men served in the Union Army and Navy during the Civil War. The 17th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment was mustered at the Detroit Barracks in August 1862 under the command of Colonel William H. Withington. The . . . — — Map (db m158389) HM
On East Main Street (Michigan Route 21) at South Monroe Street Southeast, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street.
This block, once known as the Old Wooden Row, was
the first business block in the village of Dansville
(Lowell). Built between 1846 and 1870 it contained 11
wooden buildings. Mrs. Julia Hiler's Millinery, located in
the westernmost building, . . . — — Map (db m217477) HM
On East Exchange Street at Meridian Street, on the right when traveling west on East Exchange Street.
Side 1
Winsor McCay (c.1867-1934), a pioneer in cartoon animation, first received acclaim for his artwork as a pupil in Spring Lake's Union School. His blackboard sketch of the 1880 wreck of the SS Alpena inspired a photographer to . . . — — Map (db m88985) HM
On Plymouth Road at Cherry Hill Road, on the right when traveling west on Plymouth Road.
The Village of Dixboro was founded by Captain John Dix in 1824. He was born in Massachusetts, went to sea at sixteen, achieved the title of captain, and served on a privateer in the War of 1812. The site selected for the village by Dix lay among an . . . — — Map (db m171237) HM
Near Ann Arbor Street (State Highway 52), on the right when traveling west.
This historical plaque is located on the former site of the Detroit, Hillsdale and Indiana Railroad depot, built in 1870 when Manchester's second railroad was constructed. Railroads were essential to commerce and growth in 19th century towns, and . . . — — Map (db m209791) HM
On North Main Street at East Huron Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street.
The Ann Arbor Guard and the Ypsilanti Light Guard formed a procession to honor former President Grover Cleveland before he delivered the annual Washington's Birthday Address at University Hall, February 22, 1892.
This speech marked the . . . — — Map (db m166583) HM
On Maiden Lane at Freesia Court, on the right when traveling east on Maiden Lane.
While neighbors in Ann Arbor were divided over abolition, many residents of Lower Town were active in the Underground Railroad and in the anti-slavery and abolitionist movements and parties. According to the 1881 History of Washtenaw County, . . . — — Map (db m181968) HM
On Carlton Avenue just south of Dekalb Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Ronald R. Edmonds (1935-1983) was an African American educational expert known for his commitment to improving public schools. NYC Parks and the Board of Education (now the NYC Department of Education) opening the jointly operated JHS 294 . . . — — Map (db m181674) HM
CIVIL WAR
Frederick Alber · Army · Germany
Frank Dwight Baldwin · Army · Manchester, MI
Frederick A. Ballen · Army · Germany
Charles L. Barrell · Army · Conquest, NY
Joseph E. Brandle · Army · Seneca Co. OH
James Isaac Christianey . . . — — Map (db m236267) WM
On West Main Street, on the right when traveling east.
- Owner of the Ypsilanti Reed
Furniture Company in Ionia, the
world's largest reed furniture factory
and one of Ionia's largest employers
- Investor in many business
ventures in Michigan and beyond
- Graduate of the University of Michigan, . . . — — Map (db m216322) HM
On Geddes Road, 0.2 miles east of North Dixboro Road, on the right when traveling east.
Centuries ago, Indian trails crossed the landscape of Washtenaw County. These paths connected Indian villages to fertile hunting and fishing grounds throughout Michigan. When settlers arrived in the County during the 19th century, these same . . . — — Map (db m104642) HM
On Oak Street at Biddle Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Oak Street.
When travelers stepped off the train or streetcar and inquired about decent accommodations, they were directed to the Hotel Arlington. From 1884 to about 1919, the Arlington occupied this building.
The guest list from one week in September . . . — — Map (db m189299) HM
On East Ann Street at North Main Street, on the right when traveling east on East Ann Street.
In 1921 the Colored Welfare League bought the Kayser Block on North Fourth Ave. (above right) and used it as a center to help settle black workers who migrated to Ann Arbor in the 1920s. It gradually became an African American community center . . . — — Map (db m171335) HM
General Dougherty is a native of Glasgow, KY, having been born there November 15, 1920. He graduated from Western Kentucky University then received a law degree from the University of Louisville. Honorary degrees have been bestowed upon him from . . . — — Map (db m84258) HM
On Ann Arbor Street (State Highway 52) at East Main Street, on the left when traveling north on Ann Arbor Street.
Our village began with land surveys ordered by the Federal Government beginning in 1815, and the sale of land parcels beginning in 1820. John Mudget Mack of Pontiac was hired to survey several townships in western Washtenaw . . . — — Map (db m205615) HM
* Inflectional forms of words are their plurals, singulars, and possessives as well as gramatical tenses and similar variations.
