Significance

When Hancock was first platted by the Quincy Mine, the company had provided space just to the west of downtown for both a catholic and protestant cemetery along West Quincy Street. But as the area began to see an influx of immigrants seeking work in the mines – many of whom were neither Catholic nor Protestant – these two cemeteries began to lose favor. In 1895 a new cemetery – unaffiliated with any church – was established outside of the city limits along a high ridge overlooking the Portage. The old cemeteries quickly fell into neglect as most Hancock residents elected to be buried in the new modern facility.

Gallery

Contemporary Use

Lakeside Cemetery is Hancock’s only burial ground and continues to be used today for that purpose.

Directions

Lakeside sits on a high ridge just west of Hancock along the Portage Canal. From Hancock, take M203 west out of town. Just past the Hancock Recreation Area on the left, and gravel pit to the right, you’ll find the cemetery entrance along a small creek on the right side.