Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mills Historic District

The Quincy Mining Company Stamp Mills are two processing facilities along Torch Lake that display late 19th-century copper milling operations and industrial structures. The site includes several remaining buildings that reflect the machinery and methods used to handle ore during this mining era.

The Quincy Mining Company began construction of these mills in 1888 after relocating from their original Portage Lake site due to environmental concerns. This move marked a shift in how copper operations adapted to changing local conditions during the late industrial period.

The mills drew workers from various European backgrounds, including Finnish, Italian, German, and Cornish communities, whose influences shaped the social fabric of the surrounding area. These diverse populations created distinct neighborhoods and cultural practices that remain visible in the region.

The site sits directly off Michigan Highway 26 between Dollar Bay and Hubble, making it easy to find and reach by car. Parking areas are available on both sides of the main mill building for visitors exploring the grounds.

The facility used mechanical stamps to crush copper ore and refine it into concentrated form before sending it to the nearby Quincy Smelter for final processing. This specialized intermediate step made the mills a critical link in the broader copper production chain of the region.

Location: Michigan

GPS coordinates: 47.14667,-88.46000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:10