Mars Hill, Maine
| Mars Hill, Maine | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
 | |
 | |
| Coordinates: 46°33′35″N 67°51′07″W / 46.55972°N 67.85194°WCoordinates: 46°33′35″N 67°51′07″W / 46.55972°N 67.85194°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Maine |
| County | Aroostook |
| Incorporated | 1867 |
| Area[1] | |
| • Total | 35.20 sq mi (91.17 km2) |
| • Land | 35.13 sq mi (90.99 km2) |
| • Water | 0.07 sq mi (0.18 km2) |
| Elevation | 607 ft (185 m) |
| Population (2010)[2] | |
| • Total | 1,493 |
| • Estimate (2012[3]) | 1,475 |
| • Density | 42.5/sq mi (16.4/km2) |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | Eastern (UTC-4) |
| ZIP code | 04758 |
| Area code(s) | 207 |
| FIPS code | 23-43710 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0582582 |
| Website | www.marshillmaine.com |
Mars Hill is a town in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. The population was 1,493 at the 2010 census.[4]
History
The town is named for Hezekiah Mars, who camped for three years at the base of Mars Hill Mountain. In 1834, the first industry was cutting timber, particularly trees for masts. Following the Aroostook War, farming became important.[5] The Bangor and Aroostook Railroad arrived in 1892, allowing shipment to distant markets of local produce—especially potatoes.[6] In the 1960s, Big Rock Ski Area was founded on Mars Hill Mountain. In 2006, Maine's first wind farm was installed along the top and northern side.[7]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.20 square miles (91.17 km2), of which, 35.13 square miles (90.99 km2) of it is land and 0.07 square miles (0.18 km2) is water.[1] Mars Hill is split partly in half by the Prestile Stream, which runs directly between Fort Street and Silver Street, and then crosses beneath the Fort Street Bridge. After passing the bridge, it flows between Pleasant Street and U.S. 1.
Demographics
2010 census
As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 1,493 people, 614 households, and 413 families residing in the town. The population density was 42.5 inhabitants per square mile (16.4 /km2). There were 687 housing units at an average density of 19.6 per square mile (7.6 /km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.3% White, 0.2% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.
There were 614 households of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.7% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.82.
The median age in the town was 44 years. 21% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.6% were from 25 to 44; 26.8% were from 45 to 64; and 22.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.0% male and 53.0% female.
2000 census
As of the census[8] of 2000, there were 1,480 people, 614 households, and 413 families residing in the town. The population density was 42.1 people per square mile (16.3/km²). There were 708 housing units at an average density of 20.2 per square mile (7.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.50% White, 0.14% African American, 1.49% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 0.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.41% of the population.
There were 614 households out of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the town the population was spread out with 23.0% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $24,083, and the median income for a family was $33,333. Males had a median income of $27,054 versus $19,500 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,630. About 13.4% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 19.9% of those age 65 or over.
Mars Hill Mountain
Mars Hill Mountain plays an important role in the Mars Hill community. It provides not only a dramatic backdrop for photographs, but also magnificent views from atop its peak. It overlooks the Saint John Valley, in which Mars Hill is located. Mount Katahdin is visible from the top of Mars Hill Mountain over 85 miles (137 km) away.
Mars Hill Mountain underwent a wind power project in the fall of 2006. Developers installed 28 GE 1.5 MW Wind Turbines along the top and northern section of the mountain, which overlooks Canada.[9] The windmills are assembled in multiple parts. The towers, which are composed of three support sections stacked one on top of another with a combined weight of 20,000 pounds, are 80 meters (262 feet) tall. Each of the turbine's three blades (together, a rotor) are approximately 37 meters (123 feet), for a total rotor diameter of approximately 75 meters (246 feet). Rotor diameters are comparable to the wingspan of a Boeing 747.[10]
Mars Hill Mountain also features a ski resort called Big Rock Ski Area.[11]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-16.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-12-16.
- ↑ "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2013-07-06.
- ↑ http://www.marshillmaine.com/attachments/article/76/2%20-%20CP%20Draft%20Population%205-1-12%20-%20Copy.pdf
- ↑ Varney, George J. (1886), Gazetteer of the state of Maine. Mars Hill, Boston: Russell
- ↑ History of Mars Hill, Maine
- ↑ Mars Hill Wind Farm
- ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ↑ http://www.firstwind.com/sites/default/files/Maine%20by%20the%20Numbers%20Aug%203%202011.pdf
- ↑ http://www.ge-energy.com/products_and_services/products/wind_turbines/ge_1.5_77_wind_turbine.jsp
- ↑ http://www.bigrockmaine.com/
