Historic icons, venues help define Ypsilanti, Michigan

Incoming students at Eastern Michigan University might find the college's home, the city of Ypsilanti, somewhat overshadowed by the academic environment, but the city and surrounding area has much to entertain and challenge students beyond the campus. Start with the city's name, Ypsilanti – pronounced (IP- sil-AN-tee) and commonly known as “Ypsi." Founded in 1823, the city was named after a Greek general, Demetrios Ypsilantis, who lived from 1793 to 1832 and fought in the Greek war for independence. A white marble bust of Ypsilantis, mounted on a 20-foot column at the base of the city's water tower, greets all who drive into town along Washtenaw Avenue. That's just a start of the icons and venues that are ingrained in the city's identity, which has been forged by history, architecture and seasonal traditions.