Mars Community
Historical marker location:Mars Community
A settlement known as Mars flourished at this crossroads from the 1880s until about 1930. The intersection of the Tyler-Porter's Bluff Road (now FM 2339) and the Canton-Athens Road (now FM 773) provided a likely site for a community to develop.
Early settlers in the area included John Ammons and his son-in-law, Henry Washington Brown, who arrived in 1869 and purchased 320 acres of land. By 1871, Ammons had deeded two of his acres to the Pleasant Ridge Church and school for constructing a church building and schoolhouse.
Wheat was the original crop that area farmers grew, but cotton soon replaced it as the primary crop. H. W. Brown built a cotton gin and grist mill for the community, and a blacksmith shop and two mercantile stores soon followed. Subsequent cotton gin operators included T. J. Bristow,
E. P. Miller, W. R. Dyer and W. W. McWilliams. According to local tradition, the mercantile operations were run by H. W. Brown, Thomas Hobbs, T. O Wells, W. A. "Algie" Harville, Sr., and J. W. Barefoot.
In 1891, a post office was established to serve the settlement. Originally called Acme, the station's name was changed seven years later to mars to reflect the name of the community. A declining population caused the post office to close in 1907 and the school to consolidate with the Bois D'Arc School in 1916. Although little physical evidence remains of the Mars Community, its history helps illustrate the story of cotton gin settlements in Texas.
(2001)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
The county was officially formed in 1848 and named after Isaac Van Zandt, a politician and diplomat who played a significant role in the establishment of the Republic of Texas. Throughout the mid-19th century, the economy of Van Zandt County was primarily agricultural, with cotton being the dominant crop. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for trade and commerce to the area.
In the early 20th century, Van Zandt County experienced a boom in oil production, which significantly impacted the local economy. This led to the growth of oil-related industries and the establishment of several oil towns within the county. However, the Great Depression and subsequent decline in oil prices had a detrimental effect on the area, leading to economic challenges during the 1930s and 1940s.
Over the years, Van Zandt County has continued to grow and develop. Today, it boasts a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic beauty, and there are several recreational areas such as lakes and state parks that attract visitors. Van Zandt County also has a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals and events celebrating its history and culture.
Van Zandt County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Van Zandt County, Texas.
- 1848 - Van Zandt County is established as one of the 36 original counties in Texas.
- 1850 - The county seat is established in Canton.
- 1861-1865 - Van Zandt County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
- 1894 - The construction of the Texas State Railroad reaches Van Zandt County, boosting the local economy.
- 1900 - An oil boom begins in the county, bringing new growth and prosperity.
- 1921 - The Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike is completed, connecting Van Zandt County to the metroplex.
- 1930s-1940s - Van Zandt County suffers from the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II.
- 1960s-1970s - The county experiences a period of economic growth and population increase.
- 1980s - The county faces economic challenges due to declining oil prices.
- 2000 - Canton becomes known for its First Monday Trade Days, attracting visitors from all over the state.