2023 Senate Resolution 35

Whereas, Ypsilanti, Michigan, was founded on April 22, 1823, as “Woodruff’s Grove” on land belonging to the Anishinaabe people, including the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi; and

Whereas, As the first settlement in Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti was named after Greek General Demetrius Ypsilanti, a hero in the Greek War of Independence; and

Whereas, Ypsilanti has a proud record of abolition prior to the Civil War, being a part of the Underground Railroad to help free enslaved people; and

Whereas, The Asher Aray family, who had been free for generations, were willing to risk their lives to help fugitive slaves as conductors; and

Whereas, Over 70 Black men from Ypsilanti fought in the Civil War in the 102nd United States Colored Troops Infantry Regiment; and

Whereas, Ypsilanti was home to Helen McAndrew, who established herself as the first female doctor in Washtenaw County, Mary Ann Starkweather, whose charitable generosity contributed to much of the city’s growth, and Elijah McCoy, who developed 57 patents, including the “Real McCoy” engine lubrication device for railroad and factory engines; and

Whereas, In 1849, Ypsilanti was selected to host the location of the State Normal School, which later became Eastern Michigan University; and

Whereas, In 1869 Ypsilanti opened the first public library which was established by six women who had chosen the name the Ladies’ Library Association of Ypsilanti; and

Whereas, The city of Ypsilanti played an important role in the Women’s Suffrage Movement. In 1921, one year after the federal suffrage amendment was ratified, Estelle Downing was the first woman elected to city council; and

Whereas, Ypsilanti has the second largest historic district in Michigan, including Downtown, Depot Town, and West Cross; and

Whereas, The city of Ypsilanti has a honored place in the history of fighting against discrimination of all types in the successful passing of an inclusive Non-Discrimination Ordinance in 1998; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the city of Ypsilanti’s 200th Founder’s Day.