The Smelter Experience
Smelter tours are held Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 1:30 pm through Labor Day.
No tour at Quincy is complete without visiting the historic Quincy Smelter (1898) located on Hancock’s waterfront. It is the oldest and most intact smelter from this period in the world, and visitors can tour the works and learn about the final processes involved in moving copper from ore to finished product. Ticket prices are $12 (adults), $6 (under 18), and free for kids under 6. Because this is an industrial site, proper footwear in the form of closed-toe shoes (hiking boots or shoes) is recommended: sandals, flip-flops or other open-toe footwear is not recommended. For more information call (906) 482-3101 or (906) 482-5569.
The hearths and furnaces may be cool, the buildings quiet and contemplative, but this is a chance to step back into history and see where just under 1 BILLION pounds of copper were processed, helping America grow from a largely agricultural nation to an industrial powerhouse. Much of the machinery from the 1890s and earlier is intact, including Corliss steam engines, as well as the casting plant. The smelter was a major investment for Quincy, helping the company achieve its reputation as “Old Reliable” in the industry.
