Mars Train Station

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The Mars Train Station, located in Mars, Pennsylvania, was constructed in 1897 by the Pittsburgh and Western Railroad. Though, considered a basic structure when it was completed, it is now one of the most attractive buildings in the town.

For nearly fifty years, the station served the community by helping to transport freight and passengers in the area. The station's location was perfect since it was situated halfway between the cities of Pittsburgh, and Butler, Pennsylvania. Due to the increase of automobiles, the passenger service in Mars ended in the 1950's.

[edit] History

During the 1920's, a freight train jumped the tracks and crashed into the station, which knocked it off its foundation. The station would eventually be repaired. A few years later, citizens of Mars gathered around the station and tracks to witness President Warren G. Harding's funeral train passing by on its way to Washington D.C. Fifty years after the station closed to passengers, CSX Transportation announced that if the station wasn't restored, or moved, it would have to be demolished.

In 2000 the local historical society pitched in and helped relocate the now one hundred and three old building to a new site in the town. After years of restoration, the station is now a museum. According to Railpace Newsmagazine, the Mars station is the last station still standing on the P&W Subdivision.

In 2006, the Mars Train Station was featured on The History Channel as part of the Save Our History program.