Historic Hancock

Our City

Cross the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, follow US41 North and suddenly you discover you're in one of Michigan's most unique Cities.

Welcome to Hancock, gateway to the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. Named after John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence, the town was founded by the Quincy Mining Company in 1859 during the heyday of the Keweenaw's copper mining boom. The site of brass foundries and mining machinery factories, the town was best known for its famous Quincy Mine. Nicknamed "Old Reliable", the mine produced copper continuously for 83 years paying stockholders millions in dividends. The City was also home to the Hancock Mine.

The Quincy Mine ceased production in 1945, but the City of Hancock remains as reliable as its early immigrant sellers. Today the City is home to 4300 residents, Portage Health, Finlandia University, Vollwerth's and the Houghton County Medical Care Facility. Since the end of the copper industry, tourism has come to the fore as the region's primary industry and Hancock has supported the transition with its unique heritage, vibrant arts scene, recreational opportunities and eclectic retailers.

Such economic diversification has resulted in Hancock residents having the highest median income of any City or Village in the County, and the Hancock of today is progressive City on the move. Over 230 businesses are located in the City, with over 2500 jobs. The largest employer is Portage Health.

Hancock hilly, healthy, historic - and a GREAT place to call home!

Explore Our History