Quincy Mine No. 2 Shaft Hoist House

The Quincy Mine No. 2 Shaft Hoist House is a five-story brick building in Hancock that houses the machinery for lifting copper ore. The structure was purpose-built to support the massive steam engines that pulled ore upward from far below the surface.

The building was completed in 1918 as the center of copper mining operations and ran the hoisting system until 1931, when declining copper prices forced the mine to shut down. The closure reflected broader economic shifts that made mining uneconomical in the region.

The building stands as a reminder of the thousands of miners who worked here extracting copper and shaped the region's economy. The machinery and structure reflect how vital this labor was to the nation's industrial development.

The building is accessible through guided tours, particularly during warmer months when visitor groups are organized. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring the five-story structure and engine rooms can be physically demanding.

The foundation beneath the building was poured as one enormous concrete block and ranks among the largest ever constructed for equipment support. This engineering feat shows the care required to properly support the massive steam machinery.

Location: Michigan

GPS coordinates: 47.13570,-88.57310

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08