HANCOCK

NAME: Hancock
COUNTY: Chaffee
ROADS: 2WD (4WD to tunnel)
GRID: 5
CLIMATE: Cold winter with snow, cool summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
Summer

COMMENTS: Not much left but the tunnel is interesting if you can make it.
REMAINS: A few remnants.

Hancock served the workers who built the famous Alpine Tunnel. Its main population peak was in the 1880's and 1890's while the tunnel was being built. Mining was secondary in Hancock. The tunnel was completed in 1881, but the train ran through Hancock carrying miners, passengers and supplies. It is said Mark Twain took the ride one time just for the experience. The tunnel ceased operation in 1910 and the last mine in Hancock closed in 1926 with the passing of the last passenger train. Today one can still make it to the Alpine Tunnel entrance in a 4WD


The only true remains of Hancock - July, 1999
Todd Underwood


Building near Hancock-July,1999
Todd Underwood


Alley Belle Mine -July,1999
Todd Underwood


Alley Belle Mine -July,1999
Todd Underwood


Building near Hancock-July,1999
Todd Underwood


Roof above the Alley Belle-July,1999
Todd Underwood


Alley Belle Mine -July,1999
Todd Underwood


Alley Belle Mine -July,1999
Todd Underwood


Alley Belle Mine -July,1999
Todd Underwood


Stone Engine House -- could accommodate 6 engines for repair service.
Courtesy Dolores Steele


Railroad track ruins
Courtesy Dolores Steele


Alley Belle Mine
Courtesy Dolores Steele


Cabin
Courtesy Dolores Steele


Hancock
Courtesy Dolores Steele


Getting to the Alpine Tunnel --- abandaned railroad grade --scarcely three feet between one and eternity -- would been impression from a railroad car window.
Courtesy Dolores Steele


Alpine Station --built 1884 - abandaned 1910 --- Elv. 11,546 ft.
Courtesy Dolores Steele


Inside building near Hancock-July,1999
Todd Underwood


Steps to nowhere-July,1999
Todd Underwood


Outhouse -July,1999
Todd Underwood


Crumbling building near Hancock-July,1999
Todd Underwood


Building near Hancock-July,1999
Todd Underwood


Buildings near Hancock-July,1999
Todd Underwood


Alley Belle Mine -July,1999
Todd Underwood

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