Formed as a stop along the Great Northern Railway in 1871, the community was named for Joseph Woods Hancock, a Stevens County official. A post office was established there that same year. Its first settlers included people had migrated west following the American Civil War in 1865 seeking homestead lands. Its early businesses included a livery station, general store, lumber yard, implement shop, meat market, and saloon. Frank C. Mars, the founder of the candy corporation, Mars, Incorporated, was born in Hancock in 1883. A school district was formed in 1912, and new school buildings were built in 1922, 1960 and 1998, replacing the original 1912 building. In its prime, during the 1930s and 1940s, the city’s Main Street and side streets features about forty buildings, including several grocery stores, restaurants, banks, and implement dealers, as well as a theater. Minnesota Highway 9 is the main route through the city. Hancock is just south of Page Lake. Along Highway 9, Hancock is southeast of Morris and northwest of Contarf. Other nearby communities include Alberta, Artichoke, Chokio, Cyris, and Starbuck. Willmar is about forty-five miles southeast, Ortonville is forty-five miles southwest, Fergus Falls is sixty miles north, and St. Cloud is ninety-five miles east of Hancock.
Recommended Resources
Located in Hancock, Minnesota, the company has been in business since 1986 manufacturing and designing custom products, including tile boots, side dump trailer extensions, and other products, which are highlighted here, along with a promotional video and a profile of the company.
http://backmanwelding.com/
Specializing in prime rib and shrimp, the restaurant and bar is located along Minnesota State Highway 9 in Hancock, Minnesota. Directions, hours of operation, and a menu are provided, along with its service area, payment options, and contact information. Special events may be published to the site.
http://www.buddiesbarandgrill.com/
Founded in 1872, the City of Hancock, Minnesota is one of the last small towns with a fully functional K-12 school. The official municipal web site features a history and profile of the community, an area map, council agendas and minutes, and a guide to local parks, facilities, services, and events.
https://sites.google.com/site/cityofhancock/
In business full time since 1900, the well drilling service is based in Hancock, Minnesota, and has drilled wells throughout the west-central Minnesota area for more than a hundred and twenty years. Its history and an overview of its services, available rigs and trucks, and contact data are put forth.
http://www.conroywelldrilling.com/
Hancock Christian Reformed Church
Affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church of North America, the congregation meets at its facilities on Fifth Street in Hancock, Minnesota. Its history and ministries are highlighted, along with a church bulletin, order of worship, and staff contacts. Recorded services may be viewed online.
http://www.hancockcrc.org/
The Hancock, Minnesota business was started in 1916, after the arrival of the automobile created a demand for a better road system. Acquired by Superior Industries in 2011, the company manufactures manholes, culverts, catch basins, reinforced concrete pipe, and specialty products, currently operating in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Iowa.
http://hancockconcrete.com/
The Future Farmers of America organization in Hancock, Minnesota was chartered in 1975, within the Hancock Public School District #768. Its history and an overview of the chapter is given, including a list of officers, leadership schedules, a photo gallery, and a calendar of events.
http://www.hancockffa.org/
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Established in 1899 and serving the Hancock, Minnesota community, the Christian church is associated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Its history and a profile of the church are put forth, including schedules, a calendar of events, and an audio archive of recent messages.
http://www.hancocklutheran.org/
The family operation is located in Hancock, Minnesota, where it offers pet grooming services, boarding and daycare services for pets, a selection of pet supplies that may include pet foods, treats, toys and accessories, and assistance in taking care of and preparing show dogs. Directions and contacts are included.
http://tlcpethaven.net/
