90 Maple Street

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 February day was greeted with speeches and celebration. On the return trip to Detroit, the train broke down and the dignitaries were forced to travel the rest of the way on foot.

The original depot was a wooden frame structure. With the rapid growth of local industry it became necessary to replace the building. The new depot was built in the 1860s. The Victorian structure with gingerbread trim had a three story tower and was said to be the most beautiful depot on the Michigan Central Railroad Line.

In 1910 a fire destroyed the upper floor and most of the tower. Disaster struck again in 1939 when a train derailed, taking another section of the depot. The depot operated as a full service stop until the 1950s when increased popularity of the automobile reduced demand for the Ypsilanti destination. It ceased operations in the 1970s.

Also...
In Michigan: In an attempt to influence Congress into allowing Michigan official designation as a state, nine counties were named after President Jackson and members of his cabinet. They are Berrien, Van Buren,
Cass, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Calhoun, Branch and Jackson Counties. It didn't help. In 1837, Michigan officially became the 26th state.

American Events: Although not the first railroad, in 1830 the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad was the first American railroad to offer regular freight and passenger service, besting the former means of waterways for travel.

Donated by Jos. A. Malik & 3d Family - 1998

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Show me all markers in:  Ypsilanti, MI  |  Washtenaw County  |  48198  |  Michigan  |  United States of America

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