Founded in 1878 In 1878, The Freighthouse was built to serve as a freight distribution center and market place. As a common gathering place, it became a pillar of the community. As commerce became less train-centric and Ypsilanti continued to urbanize, The Freighthouse remained a focal point. In the early 2000s, The Freighthouse came into disrepair and was shut down. A local non-profit called Friends of the Ypsilanti Freighthouse rallied together to raise funds, apply for grants, and begin critical repairs. The City of Ypsilanti resumed management of the site in 2020 and The Freighthouse is now used as an event hall for celebrations, a polling place, and - keeping true to its roots - hosts a variety of local markets.
