[2] The county was organized February 14, 1845, and named after President Andrew Jackson, whose nickname was "Old Hickory.

"[3][4] The Pomme de Terre Dam, a Corps of Engineers facility, is located three miles south of Hermitage and forms Lake Pomme de Terre by damming the Pomme de Terre River and Lindley Creek.

Truman Reservoir, also a Corps of Engineers facility, floods the Pomme de Terre Reservoir from the northern border of the county southward to the city limits of Hermitage.

26.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The Republican Party predominantly controls politics at the local level in Hickory County.

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) received more votes, a total of 1,056, than any candidate from either party in Hickory County during the 2008 presidential primary.