This area was long occupied by various cultures of indigenous peoples. European-American settlement of this area did not begin until decades after the American Revolutionary War. James Mills built the first cabin on the site in 1819. The community of Mills Point was large enough to receive a post office in 1830. Around 1834, G. Marr purchased much of the surrounding area and laid out more streets.

The community was renamed Hickman in 1837 after the maiden name of Marr’s wife. The city was formally incorporated by the state assembly on February 18, 1841. In 1845, the city became the county seat