Michigan Minute

E1574 - Houghton-Hancock Bridge & Steamer Near Miss | June 24

Published: June 24, 2026

Duration: 1:00

On this day in 1960, the steamer J.F. Schoellkopf nearly collided with the new Houghton-Hancock Bridge when the bridge operator missed its whistle signal, causing the ship to run aground and cut telephone service to 1,000 Hancock customers.