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,
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
