In 1821, Hickman County was named for Capt. Paschal Hickman, who was massacred by Indians after the Battle of River Raisin in January 1813; he was one of nine Kentucky officers killed in that action for whom counties were named. He resided in Franklin County and was an extensive landowner. Originally, Hickman County comprised the Jackson Purchase in Kentucky, and later eight counties were formed within its initial area. The first county seat was Columbus.