Exploring Ypsilanti's Heritage and History

We love living in Ypsilanti because of its strong historic roots, keeping us grounded. Ypsilanti takes pride in its heritage and pays homage to past residents and contributions. We’re highlighting ways to learn about and celebrate Ypsilanti’s prominent Black history, part of the city’s foundation: 
 

Ypsilanti’s Neighborhoods have stories to tell 

Ypsilanti’s neighborhoods spread across the area have been around for decades. In the Heritage Park neighborhood in the historic South side, you’ll find a mixture of homes built from 1940s-60s and 1970s-90s. The Parkridge Community Center offers educational programs and services for local youth. Just outside is Parkridge Park to enjoy some basketball on the colorful court.  

Parkridge COmmunity Center

Also downtown within the historic South side is the South Adams neighborhood.  Resources like the South Adams Street Project keep the neighborhood’s history alive through points of interest, newspaper archives, and more.  

The West Willow neighborhood in Ypsilanti Township was built for former Willow Run bomber plant workers in the 1940s. This tight-knit community celebrates its past while progressing to the future with a local resource center, West Willow Park, and West Willow Farmers Market. 
 

Take a Tour 

Residents can learn a lot about the city’s history by taking walks and bike rides through town. Within Ypsilanti’s historic neighborhoods, there are land markers and signs highlighting significant contributions from Ypsilanti’s past.  

ELijah Mccoy Sign, Library Plaza

Depot Town alley signs highlight Elijah McCoy among other Ypsilanti moments in history. McCoy’s contributions are also recognized on a historic land marker in the Library Plaza downtown. Next to the marker is a bronze statue of Harriet Tubman leading a child to freedom because of Ypsilanti’s ties to the Underground Railroad. Some businesses and historic homes were known designated safe spaces along the route north to Canada. 

Follow the map and visit all six signs of the Black Heritage Signage Project, highlighting underreported Black history in Ypsilanti. Take your own tour to these six locations diving deeper into Ypsi’s history and heritage.  

Harriet Street Sign; YpSilanti Black Heritage Project

History in Artwork 

At Parkridge Community Center, the hallways are lined with large portraits painted by a local artist of Ypsilanti community members, both past and present. These portraits remind us of the foundation built, and to continue growing together. More murals can be found across Ypsilanti including the African American Mural Project completed by Ypsilanti Community Schools students and art educators. 

Civil War Monument at HIghland Cemetery

Highland Cemetery, listed on the National registrar of historic places, added a new Civil War monument in 2022, sculpted by the late local artist John Pappas. This new monument honors and remembers the Black Civil War soldiers of Ypsilanti.  

Interesting ways to learn more:  

Learn about Ypsilanti’s Black history at the Ypsilanti District Library where residents can receive a free library card to use at the three area branches.  The YDL has documented history in various mediums. Listen to the Oral Histories from families who’ve resided on the historic South Side for more than a century.  Browse the Ypsi Stories podcasts for episodes covering Ypsilanti’s Black Civil War experience and more history.