[2] Located on the mainland at the head of Frenchman Bay, Hancock has commanding views of Mount Desert Island.

8, the town was incorporated by the state legislature on February 21, 1828[4] and named for John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

[7] During World War II, German spies Erich Gimpel and William Colepaugh landed by submarine in Hancock, then traveled to New York City.

"The Neck" is bounded by the Taunton River to the northeast, Frenchman's Bay to the south, and Carrying Place Creek to the due west.

Mid-Hancock or Hancock Hills—which includes the villages or neighborhoods of Carrying Place Creek, Havey Point, Hyde Point, Hancock Hill (ORO or Old Route One Hill) and Franklin Roads.

This section includes neighborhoods such as Upper Mud Creek & Kilkenny Cove.

Western Hancock—the larger chunk of the town's land area is adjacent to the City of Ellsworth and is generally thought to begin at the junction of Mud Creek Road and terminate at Washington Junction Rd and the city limits of Ellsworth and the town line with Lamoine.

Hancock Village includes several historic or notable properties as well, such as Ironbound Inn & Restaurant (formerly Le Domaine) and the Pierre Monteaux School.

The village also includes commercial, administrative, and social facilities, such as the Grammar School, Hancock Congregational Church, the US Postal Service, the Municipal Hall, among others.

With an incredible number of scenic spots overlooking MDI, Taunton & Frenchman's Bay, in addition to its location at the centre of the region, Hancock is a both an attraction in its own right, as well as a basecamp for travellers and tourists.

Two of Acadia National Park's most popular districts—Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Point—are approximately equidistant, and a short drive away.

With its convenient location, historic and charming neighborhoods, as well as its social and commercial facilities, Hancock is both a desirable bedroom community and business district adjacent to Eastern Maine's shire town of Ellsworth and the popular Mount Desert Island & Schoodic Peninsula Areas.