by The history of Quincy Michigan begins with Horace Wilson, who arrived in 1830. Drawn by fertile soil and nearby lakes, Wilson built the first homestead in what would soon become a thriving settlement. Dr. Hiram Allen later suggested the name “Quincy,” honoring a town in Massachusetts.
Video – Early 1900s Quincy, Michigan: From Cement to Summer Cottages
This Michigan Moments episode, “Steam, Stone & Summer Shores,” explores Quincy’s transformation from frontier settlement to rail-era boomtown. Hear how the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad fueled its economy, how the Wolverine Portland Cement Company built Michigan’s modern infrastructure, and how Marble Lake became the town’s summer retreat.
From Frontier to Rail Town
By 1856, landowners Enos and Joseph Berry, along with John Broughton, officially platted the village. Within two years, Quincy incorporated and began a new chapter with the arrival of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad.
The Railroad’s Influence
The railroad transformed Quincy from a quiet farming community into a regional hub. It connected local merchants to the growing industrial centers of Toledo and Chicago. Quincy sat on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern (later New York Central) “Old Road” line; a depot served the village and anchored commerce and travel. The depot platform became a social center — where farmers, merchants, and travelers mingled daily.
Chicago Street and the Turn of the Century
Around 1900, Chicago Street was the pride of Branch County. The downtown district featured three-story brick buildings housing the Quincy House, First National Bank, Crawford’s Livery, and Lepper’s Dry Goods. These establishments defined Quincy’s economic life, while the steady whistle of freight trains set the rhythm of the day.
Industry and Innovation
The Wolverine Portland Cement Company marked Quincy’s industrial boom. Its massive plant employed hundreds and shipped cement throughout the Midwest. This industry helped modernize Michigan’s cities, while anchoring Quincy’s role in the state’s early 20th-century growth.
Civic Pride and Progress
Local philanthropy shaped Quincy’s civic identity. Businessman Charles W. Bennett donated funds in 1910 to build a public library that remains a local landmark. Around the same time, the waterworks and greenhouse were built, showcasing the community’s investment in infrastructure and quality of life.
A state marker notes both Bennett and Andrew Carnegie offered funding in 1906, with the final gift dedicated to Bennett’s son. The library later became part of the Branch District Library system.
Marble Lake and the Leisure Era
While industry and business defined the town’s weekdays, Marble Lake shaped its weekends. Quincy is marketed as the “Gateway to the Chain of Lakes.” Settlement sits near Marble Lake, part of a glacial chain popular for resorts, cottages, and boating by the early 20th century.
In summer, families escaped to their cottages beneath the trees. Rowboats glided across calm waters. Children waded near the dock. The scent of wood smoke and the echo of laughter filled the air. Families traveled from nearby cities to enjoy boating, fishing, and summer cottages. The lake became a symbol of escape — a tradition that continues today.
A Village That Endures
More than a century later, Quincy retains much of its early charm. The library still welcomes readers, and the surrounding chain of lakes still draws visitors. Though the cement plant is gone and the trains quieter, the echoes of progress remain.
Volunteer historical work is centered through the Quincy Historical Museum (former 1874 Seventh-day Adventist church), preserving village records and artifacts. Quincy, Michigan stands as a reminder of a time when railroads, craftsmanship, and community spirit built the state’s foundation — and when Marble Lake shimmered at the center of it all.
Works Cited For the History of Quincy Michigan
- “Branch County Historical Society.” Branch County Historical Society. https://branchcountyhistoricalsociety.org
- “Quincy, Michigan.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincy,_Michigan
- “Wolverine Portland Cement Company.” Michigan Geological Survey Reports. https://www.michigan.gov/egle
- “Branch District Library – Quincy Branch.” Branch District Library. https://www.branchdistrictlibrary.org/quincy
- “Chain of Lakes History.” Coldwater Country Tourism. https://www.coldwatercountry.com
- “Marble Lake Recreation.” Michigan DNR. https://www.michigan.gov/dnr
- “Quincy Historical Museum.” Village of Quincy. https://www.quincymich.com
