Mars, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mars, Texas
|
|
|---|---|
 Mars, Texas
Location in Texas
Mars, Texas
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Texas |
| County | Van Zandt |
| Elevation | 459 ft (140 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 2034766 |
Mars is a ghost town located in Van Zandt County, Texas, in the United States. A ghost town is a place where most people have moved away, leaving behind empty buildings and a quiet past. Mars was once a busy place with shops and services for the people living nearby. Today, the only building that remains is a church.
Contents
Mars, Texas: A Ghost Town Story
Mars has a fascinating history, showing how towns can grow and then fade away over time. It started as a small settlement and became a center for trade before most of its residents left.
How Mars Began
The town of Mars was founded by two brothers, John and Henry Marrs. They settled in the area, and soon, a community began to form around them.
Businesses and Community Life
Mars quickly grew into an important place for people to buy and sell goods. It had two general stores where people could get supplies. There was also a blacksmith shop, where people could have metal items made or repaired. For farmers, Mars had a cotton gin to process cotton and a grist mill to grind grain into flour.
In 1871, the Pleasant Ridge Church was built, becoming a central part of the community. A school was also established that same year, providing education for the children of Mars. Later, in 1916, the school joined with another district to form the Clower Common School District. Clower is about 15 miles (24 km) north of Mars.
The Post Office and Population Changes
A post office opened in Mars in 1891. It was first called "Acme." Seven years later, in 1898, its name was officially changed to "Mars." However, the post office did not stay open for long and closed its doors in 1907.
The number of people living in Mars changed over the years. In 1915, the town had more than 100 residents, showing it was a lively place. But by 1945, the population had dropped to only 50 people. This decline in population eventually led to Mars becoming the ghost town it is today.
What Remains of Mars
Today, the only building left standing from the original settlement of Mars is the Pleasant Ridge Church. It serves as a quiet reminder of the town's past.
