50 Facts About Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti: A City with Rich History and Unique Charm

Ypsilanti, often called Ypsi, is a city with a fascinating blend of history, culture, and community spirit. Located on the Huron River in Washtenaw County, Michigan, Ypsilanti has a lot to offer. Let's dive into some interesting facts about this charming city.

1. Location and Geography: Ypsilanti sits on the Huron River, just 20 minutes from Ann Arbor. Its scenic riverfront and historic district make it a picturesque place to visit.

2. Founding: Established on April 22, 1823, as “Woodruff’s Grove,” the city was founded on land belonging to the Anishinaabe people, including the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes.

3. Name Origin: The city was named after Demetrios Ypsilantis, a hero in the Greek War of Independence, in 1825.

Historic District and Buildings

Ypsilanti's historic district is a treasure trove of preserved buildings and landmarks that tell the story of its past.

4. Historic District: Ypsilanti boasts the second-largest connected historic district in Michigan, including downtown Ypsi and Depot Town.

5. Settlement Merger: The settlements of Woodruff’s Grove and Ypsilanti merged, retaining the latter's name.

6. Brown Chapel AME Church: Founded in 1843, this is the second oldest active AME Church in Michigan, rebuilt in 1904.

7. Clearly Business College: Established in 1882, it became the largest business school in the state but was damaged by a cyclone in 1893.

8. Thompson Block Building: This historic building served as a barracks during the Civil War and reopened in 2021 as a Southern-inspired restaurant.

Festivals and Community Events

Ypsilanti is known for its vibrant community events that bring people together to celebrate music, history, and culture.

9. Frog Island Music Festival: From 1982 to 2001, this festival featured diverse musical styles and was known as “the world’s biggest block party!”.

10. Rosie the Riveter Gathering: In 2018, Ypsilanti set a world record with 3,374 women dressed as Rosie the Riveter.

11. Ypsilanti Bicentennial: The city celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2023, including the opening of a 50-year-old time capsule.

12. Time Capsule Contents: Items included old newspapers, postcards, and a menu from a now-closed restaurant called Nicky’s Place Coney Island.

Landmarks and Local Media

Ypsilanti has several notable landmarks and a rich history of local media that have shaped its identity.

13. Water Tower: Built in 1890, this interestingly-shaped water tower is a popular photo spot.

14. Local Newspapers: The Ypsilanti Press closed in 1994, and now The Eastern Echo from Eastern Michigan University is the only local newspaper.

15. Radio Stations: Local stations include WEMU FM (89.1 FM) for jazz and blues, and WDEO (990 AM) for Catholic religious content.

Transportation and Trails

Ypsilanti is well-connected with major highways, bus services, and scenic trails that make it easy to explore.

16. Bus Service: The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority operates ten routes serving the Ypsilanti Transit Center.

17. Major Highways: Ypsilanti is bordered by I-94 to the south, with US 12 running through the city.

18. Border-to-Border Trail: This trail links Ypsilanti to Ann Arbor and Dexter, perfect for hiking and biking.

Art and Culture

Ypsilanti's art scene is vibrant and diverse, with events and venues that showcase local talent and creativity.

19. Community Events: Ypsilanti hosts various events, including the annual Fourth of July parade and the Frog Island Music Festival.

20. Art Scene: The city has a vibrant underground arts scene, with events like the Shadow Art Fair and DIYpsi.

21. Cultural Comparisons: Ypsilanti is often compared to Brooklyn in relation to Ann Arbor’s Manhattan, highlighting its unique arts scene.

Literature and Film

Ypsilanti has inspired various works of literature and film, adding to its cultural significance.

22. Milton Rokeach’s Case Study: The 1964 psychiatric case study, The Three Christs of Ypsilanti, inspired a stage play and two operas.

23. Film Adaptation: The 2017 film Three Christs, starring Richard Gere and Peter Dinklage, is based on Rokeach’s book.

24. Kurt Vonnegut’s Mention: Author Kurt Vonnegut has a chapter titled “A Sappy Girl From Ypsilanti” in his 2005 book A Man Without a Country.

Local Businesses and Shopping

Ypsilanti's local businesses and shopping districts offer unique experiences and products that reflect the city's character.

25. Local Businesses: Longstanding businesses include Aubree’s, under the same ownership since 1972, and Sidetrack Bar and Grill, established in the 1850s.

26. Shopping Districts: Michigan Avenue and Depot Town offer unique shops like Unicorn Feed & Supply and The Rocket Gifts, Toys and Candy.

Dining and Nightlife

Ypsilanti's dining and nightlife scene is diverse and vibrant, with options to suit every taste.

27. Restaurants and Bars: Popular spots include Bobcat Bonnie’s, Red Rock Downtown Barbecue, and Ypsi Alehouse.

28. Farmer’s Market: The Ypsi Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday morning from late June through October at Hyperion Coffee Co.

29. Michigan Firehouse Museum: Offers self-guided tours showcasing the history of firefighting.

30. Wurst Bar: Known for unique sausages like Spicy Rattlesnake Chorizo and vegetarian Hot Seitan Sausage.

Automotive Heritage and Community Spirit

Ypsilanti's automotive heritage and strong sense of community pride make it a special place to live and visit.

31. Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum: Located in the historic Thompson Block Building, it showcases the city’s automotive history.

32. Community Pride: Residents take great pride in their city’s history and future, celebrating diversity through various events.

33. Indigenous History: Before white settlers arrived, local Indigenous peoples used a trail near present-day Ypsilanti for camping and trading.

34. French-Canadian Fur Traders: In 1809, three French-Canadian fur traders established an official trading post beside the Huron River.

35. Local Art Scene: Ypsilanti is crawling with art, culture, beer, food, and beautiful parks, making it an exciting place to visit.

36. Craft Beer Scene: The 734 Brewing Company is a popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts, with various beer festivals held throughout the year.

37. Food Scene: Ypsilanti offers a diverse range of dining options, from traditional American cuisine to international flavors.

38. Historic Buildings Preservation: Many historic buildings have been preserved and repurposed, contributing to the city’s unique charm.

39. Community Engagement: Residents actively participate in local events and initiatives, ensuring the city remains vibrant and inclusive.

40. Education: Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is a significant educational institution in Ypsilanti.

41. Local Radio Stations: WEMU FM (89.1 FM) broadcasts jazz and blues music and NPR news from EMU.

42. Cultural Events: Ypsilanti hosts various cultural events throughout the year, bringing the community together.

43. Historic Landmarks: The water tower built in 1890 is a notable landmark, along with the Thompson Block Building and the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum.

44. Local Businesses Support: Residents support local stores and restaurants, contributing to the city’s economic growth.

45. Community Spirit: Ypsilanti is known for its strong sense of community, with residents taking pride in their city’s history and future.

46. Eastern Michigan University: EMU plays a significant role in the community, providing education and local news through The Eastern Echo.

47. WEMU FM: This public radio station broadcasts jazz and blues music and NPR news from EMU.

48. Annual Events: The Frog Island Music Festival and the Fourth of July parade are notable events that bring the community together.

49. Historic Preservation: Many historic buildings have been preserved and repurposed, adding to Ypsilanti’s charm.

50. Community Engagement: Residents actively participate in local events and initiatives, ensuring the city remains vibrant and inclusive.

Ypsilanti: A Hidden Gem in Michigan

Ypsilanti, or Ypsi, is a city bursting with history, culture, and community spirit. From its founding in 1823 to its vibrant arts scene today, Ypsilanti offers a unique blend of old and new. The city’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved historic district, iconic water tower, and landmarks like the Thompson Block Building. Ypsi’s community events, diverse dining options, and thriving local businesses make it a lively place to visit or call home. The presence of Eastern Michigan University adds an educational and youthful vibe to the city. Whether you’re exploring the Border-to-Border Trail, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or attending a community event, Ypsilanti has something for everyone. This hidden gem in Michigan is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to experience a city with a unique charm and a strong sense of community.