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Hancock’s legacy of history draws the interest of all ages The rich history of Hancock begins over a thousand years ago, when the Native Americans of the region constructed the mounds along Hancock and Fish Lake. Tourists have come to Hancock from all over the state to look at the ancient Native American mounds. These historic earthen structures are located at Whistler Mounds Park on Sixth Avenue, adjacent to the Hancock Village Park Campgrounds. There has been considerable work done at the park. More mounds have been cleared of brush and the entire area has been seeded with grass. This makes the mounds more visible. There are also several informational plaques on site that help you understand more of the history of the mounds. A shelter was erected at the park. The supports for this shelter were preserved from the original Soo Line train depot in Hancock. Park benches have also been installed along the path. The mounds were constructed by the late Woodland Indians and date back to 650-1200 A.D. The site is recorded with the National Registry of Historic Places. The area was mapped in 1916 by archeologists as part of the mapping of Indian mounds in the entire county. The article in the Wisconsin Archeologist that chronicles this event is available at the Hancock Public Library. History buffs will also enjoy the microfilm archives at the Hancock Public Library. The library owns the most complete collection of Waushara County newspapers and census reports dating back to the 1850’s. These special collections are currently the most complete resources available in the county for historians and genealogists. Hancock has one of the only remaining GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) Buildings still standing. It was built after the Civil War and was a gathering place for veterans until the early 1900’s. The Village of Hancock is located on the western border of
Waushara County along I-39, just 25 miles south of Stevens Point. The area was first settled in 1854 and many early structures have been preserved and are still in use today. Recently, the American Legion Post 343 dedicated a Veterans Monument that can be seen on the left hand side of the road as you enter Hancock. The Howitzer is placed in honor of all veterans; there is a plaque with the dedication. The Hancock Community Center is the hub of activities, meetings, and special events. The center includes a large hall and several meeting rooms. The Village of Hancock and the Towns of Hancock and Deerfield jointly maintain the building. The hall and meeting rooms are available for public and private use. The Hancock Village Campground is located two miles east of the Village of Hancock on County Highway GG. The campground is perched on the shores of beautiful Fish Lake. It is owned and operated by the Village of Hancock. The park offers swimming, picnicking, a boat launch, and two baseball diamonds. There are 50 camping sites available from April 15 to Oct. 15. For more information, call 715-249-5521. A number of Hancock community events are held throughout the year, including the Lions Winter Fisheree, the Lions Fireman’s Jamboree, American Legion St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance, Pea Fest, and the Fall Harvest Festival. A holiday craft fair, softball tournaments, 4-H pancake breakfast, a Christmas parade that is sponsored by the Hancock Enhancement committee, and a snowmobile poker run are just a few more of the events offered throughout the year in Hancock. Hancock offers a hometown atmosphere with abundant recreational and historical attractions to delight the whole family. For more information about Hancock, you can visit their website at www.1Hancock.com.