The first white settlers in the area that was to become Hancock came south from Pennsylvania in 1732. The bearer of the town’s eventual name, Joseph Hancock, did not arrive until 1749.

As western settlement began to expand and the National Pike linking the eastern seaboard with the frontier was built through Hancock, hotels and other facilities catering to travelers sprang up. A tavern and stage-coach stop were located at the Potomac River ferry that had been established close to the traditional Indian ford. By the beginning of the 19th century, the town’s businesses included a druggist, a saddler, taverns, and six other merchants. The population was 266 in 1820. A few structures from this early period still exist in Hancock, generally along Main Street.

In 1850, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was completed along the Potomac River Basin from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. Several locks were located on the section of the canal that was in or near Hancock, giving a boost to the town’s economy. The viability of the canal was severely impaired by an 1889 flood that closed it for a year and by growing competition from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (now CSXT), which ran along the south side of the Potomac River across from Hancock. But Hancock’s location at a natural river fording point was invaluable. The ferry provided a convenient connection to the railroad, transporting goods and travelers until 1892 when the first bridge was built there.

The Western Maryland Railroad completed its line through Hancock in 1905, bringing direct benefits to the town and a more rapid growth in the economy. Older buildings were torn down and replaced, with the result that the majority of historical architectural resources in the town date from that period. It was about this time, too, that the Woodmont Rod and Gun Club began a tradition of hosting presidents and other celebrities seeking the unspoiled wilderness and unsurpassed wild-game hunting of the Hancock area.

As the 20th century progressed, the C&O Canal ceased to operate, the railroads scaled back operations, and government regulations brought about the demise of Hancock’s valuable apple growing and packing industry. New industry was sought with mixed success, and the development of tourism was recognized as a priority.

It seems certain that the future of Hancock is linked to its rich heritage. It is still a town on a well traveled highway; thousands of travelers and commercial vehicles pass through each day. Many stop for rest and sustenance. Hancock is surrounded by a land rich in natural beauty and resources. The C&O Canal draws visitors, Civil War “buffs” trace Stonewall Jackson’s route, city dwellers seeking bargains come to the auctions and browse the antique shops, and Sideling Hill Geological Center draws many visitors.