Hickey has written many articles for numerous historical journals and magazines, and has served on the editorial and advisory boards of several.
During his academic career, Hickey has earned a number of awards for his scholarship and literary efforts.
[a] Hickey has been noted for gathering hitherto scattered information concerning battlefield casualties in his work, Don't Give up the Ship.
[3] Hickey has authored eleven books and over a hundred journal articles, mostly involving the War of 1812.
In scholarly reviews of this work, Hickey is said to be sympathetic to the Federalists who opposed the war, while he tends to fault President James Madison, questions his ability to lead, and harbors a measure of hostility towards the Republicans for promoting a war he feels was not necessary at that time.