Mars, Nebraska

Mars is a ghost town in Knox County, Nebraska. The site is now the location of a campsite named the Historic Mars Campground.[1]

History

The town of Jessup, Nebraska was established in 1879 in anticipation of becoming a stop on a railroad line. When no railroad came through, Jessup went into decline and lost its post office. To regain mail service, residents proposed a new post office 100 yards north, across the county line in Knox County. In 1886 the new settlement was named Mars to complement the nearby town of Venus, Nebraska.[1]

The town's population never exceeded 100 people. Mars had lost its general store by 1897, and the post office closed in 1910. The school became Mars' longest surviving establishment; classes were held in The Mars School until 1960.[1]

Today the granary has been restored and an archaeological dig is being conducted on the homesite of Samuel Haskin, the town's founder.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Smith, Mitch (8 October 2014). "A Nebraska Ghost Town, With a Name From Mars, May Be Reborn". The New York Times. Retrieved 10 October 2014.