Exurb of the Week: Mars (Pittsburgh, Erie: home, school district, suburban)

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Mars is a small borough (0.47 sq. mil.) located in southern Butler County, about 18 miles north of downtown Pittsburgh. It is surrounded by Adams Township and a little bit west of Cranberry/Seven Fields area. It has a population of about 1,600.

Mars was first settled in 1873 and was founded by Samuel Parks, when constructed a home and a water-powered gristmill along Breakneck Creek. Parks decided to have a post office placed in his home, so he received help from his friend Samuel Marshall to help establish it. The post office was initially named Overbrook. The town also played a significant role in the early railroad history when in 1877, the Pittsburgh, New Castle, and Lake Erie was constructed through Overbrook with a station built there. In 1882, the town's name was changed to Mars since the railroad already had a stop named Overbrook. No one is sure how the quirky name of Mars was chosen. Some say it was Park's wife who enjoyed astronomy, while others believe it was shortened after Samuel Marshall's name. The town's population grew heavily in the 20th Century with primarily the growth of the railroad industry and reached a peak population of 1,800 in 1980.

Today, while Mars's population has declined slightly due to the aging and significant suburban sprawl that has occurred in the surrounding areas, it still is a pretty active small town. It has often received national media attention. Mars School District students were invited to the premiere of computer-animated film Mars Needs Moms, being the only school nationwide. Some other films and music were based on the borough, as well as the USS Mars being named after it as well. There still are several active businesses in the town, including a modern brewery. It also has some significant tourist features such as the Mars "Spaceship" or "flying saucer," and the Mars Station, which depicts the town's railroad history. It seems like Mars will continue to serve as a local place where its residents could enjoy the charming small town life while being close to many other amenities for years to come.