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Historic Hancock |
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Cross the Portage Canal Lift Bridge, follow the steep winding road,
turn the corner, 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 more than $27 million in dividends.
The Quincy Mine ceased production in 1945, but the little town of
Hancock remains as reliable as its early immigrant settlers. Today the town is home to
about 4500 residents, and four of the largest six employers in Houghton County. Major
players in the city's economy include the corporate headquarters of D&N Bank and Suomi
College. 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 a city on
the move. Recent new developments include a Ramada Inn on the waterfront, a city fire
hall, and expansion of the city boundary by 24 percent. Under construction are a new
residential development, a waterfront condominium project, a new waterfront town house
project, a new high school and renovation of the former high school into a new middle
school.
An especially exciting project that will accompany the community into the next century
is construction of the Portage Health System's new medical complex. With roots dating to
1899, the Hancock-based hospital plays a vital role in the health and security of Keweenaw
residents. The new complex, which will include 30 inpatient beds and a long-term care
facility, will be located on scenic Quincy Hill.
Hancock: hilly, healthy, historic – and a great place to call home!
Explore Our History:
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