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Marne, Michigan facts for kids

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Marne, Michigan
Marne (1).jpg
Marne, Michigan is located in Michigan
Marne, Michigan
Marne, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Country United States
State Michigan
County Ottawa
Township Wright
Elevation
673 ft (205 m)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
Area code(s) 616
GNIS feature ID 631597

Marne (/mɑːrn/) is a small community in Wright Township within Ottawa County, Michigan. It is a place where people live and work, even though it is not an officially incorporated city.

Where is Marne?

Marne covers about 2.19 square miles (5.67 km²). It is located about 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Grand Rapids. You can find Marne right off exit 23 on Interstate 96. The local ZIP code (49435) covers Marne and some nearby areas. The offices for Wright Township are also located in Marne.

A Look at Marne's Past

How Marne Got Its Name

Marne was first called Berlin. Many German settlers lived in the area, which is why it had that name. A post office was set up in 1852, and the community was officially mapped out in 1857.

During World War I, people in the United States felt strongly against Germany. Because of this, the name of the town was changed in 1919. It was renamed Marne to honor soldiers who fought in the Second Battle of the Marne. This was a very important battle during the war.

Berlin's Lasting Legacy

Even though the name changed, "Berlin" can still be seen around Marne. You can find the Berlin Baptist Church and the Berlin Fairgrounds. There is also Berlin Fair Drive and the famous Berlin Raceway. A well-known race car driver, Johnny Benson Jr., raced there.

Marne was also a stop on an old electric train line. This was the Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Muskegon Railway. The old train station is still there today, but it is now a restaurant.

Famous Connections

Ed Cole, a very important person in the car industry, was born in Marne. He was an executive for General Motors. His father was a dairy farmer in the area.

Marne is also a starting point for the Musketawa Trail. This trail is a great place for walking, biking, and enjoying nature.

People and Life in Marne

In 2011, Marne had a population of 3,177 people. The average age was about 42.8 years old. Most adults, about 91%, had finished high school or higher education. The average value of a house in 2011 was $177,300. The average household income was $64,245.

Learning in Marne

The Kenowa Hills Public Schools district serves the students in Marne. There used to be a Marne Elementary School right in the community.

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