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The county was named for explorer, Edwin Hickman, who led a surveying party into what is now Hickman County in April 1791. The party camped at the mouth of a small creek on the north side of the Duck River opposite the present site of Centerville. This creek is known today as Defeated Creek. Hickman was killed here by a band of Indians who attacked the group. He was buried at the spot where he was killed. Hickman County was officially created in 1807 and named for Hickman. The county extended all the way to the Alabama state line. By 1820 several counties were created out of Hickman County. Vernon was the first county seat, but a movement began to move the county seat to a more central location. In 1823, the new town of Centerville became the county seat. Other communities in the county include Aetna, Brushy, Coble, Little Lot, Lyles, Bon Aqua, Nunnelly, Coble, Pinewood, Only, Shady Grove, Pleasantville and Wrigley.
Hickman County is now the 8th largest county in the state and contains 612 square miles. The county's primary industry has always been agriculture, however there have been other industries that have come and gone over the years. In the 19th century the county had 3 commercial health springs in operation. Iron furnances were also predominate around the same time. Modern times have seen timbering, packaging, wood products, structural steel, ammunition, illuminated signs, fruit products, custom insoles and grapevine wreath products. Tourism has also become a growing part of business in Hickman County because it contributes so strongly to local revenues. Country music and songwriter's nights, a thriving Amish community, Grinders Switch Winery, country stores, Grinders Switch Radio Hour, antique and gift shops are all important. Rural areas like Hickman County offer pristine beauty, unique recreational activities and warm and friendly people.
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