History of Hickory County

Hickory County encompasses 410 square miles of rough, hilly timberland and high, rolling prairies. The county is known for its production of poultry, livestock and grain, as well as its sources of lead and zinc. In 1845, Hickory County was organized and named after former U.S. President Andrew Jackson, who was known as "Old Hickory." Hickory County lies within the Osage land cession of 1808. Its early settlers were French trappers, Kickapoo Indians and pioneers from Tennessee and Kentucky. Hermitage was established in 1846 as the county seat and was named for Andrew Jackson's home in Tennessee.