Didn’t Robert Inkster, a Scotsman, give Inkster its name? Inkster, Michigan, a city in Wayne County, holds a unique place in history. It lies about 14 miles southwest of downtown Detroit. The city was incorporated in 1964. Before that, in 1926, Inkster was a village.
Originally, Native Americans lived here. Non-indigenous people settled in 1825. A post office called Moulin Rouge opened in 1857. Robert Inkster, born in Lerwick, Shetland, in 1828, ran a steam sawmill. His mill sat on Inkster Road near Michigan Avenue. This was in the early 1860s.
The post office was renamed Inkster in 1863. By 1878, the village had a station on the Michigan Central Railroad. Legal battles between Dearborn, Dearborn Township, and Inkster defined the final borders. This led to Inkster becoming a city in 1964.
In the 1920s and 1930s, African Americans moved to Inkster. They worked in Henry Ford’s Dearborn factories. They couldn’t live in Dearborn itself. Inkster was closer to their jobs than Detroit.
Inkster covers 6.25 square miles. All of it is land. The population in 2020 was 26,088. The city saw a significant population boom between 1930 and 1960.
Robert Inkster’s influence extends beyond the city’s name. He bought a steam-powered sawmill in 1855. He supplied fuel and ties for the nearby railroad. His “red mill” stood on Inkster Road, south of Michigan Avenue. Inkster also dealt in real estate. He sold land in Highland Park to Henry Ford. He had dealings in Ohio, Illinois, Nebraska, and Montana.
Ford Motor Company’s Sociological Department aided Inkster workers during the Great Depression. They provided home repairs and affordable food. A local commissary offered high-quality goods. The Inkster Project created a special bond between Ford and the city. This support lasted until 1941.
Several notable people have called Inkster home. Geraldine Hoff Doyle, possibly the model for the “We Can Do It” poster, lived here. Malcolm X lived in Inkster with his brother Wilfred. He became active in the Nation of Islam. The Marvelettes, known for “Please Mr. Postman,” attended high school here. Tyrone Wheatley, the 1993 Rose Bowl MVP, was born in Inkster.
Inkster’s story is one of transformation. From Native American lands to a bustling industrial suburb. It reflects the complex history of Michigan. It celebrates the resilience and contributions of its residents. As you explore Inkster, remember its rich past. Think about the people who shaped its identity.