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Mars, Nebraska

Coordinates: 42°25′47″N 98°08′03″W / 42.42972°N 98.13417°W / 42.42972; -98.13417
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Mars, Nebraska
Mars is located in Nebraska
Mars
Mars
Location within the state of Nebraska
Coordinates: 42°25′47″N 98°08′03″W / 42.42972°N 98.13417°W / 42.42972; -98.13417
Country United States
State Nebraska
CountyKnox
Founded1886
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
68773

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

History

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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

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