Its rulers belonged to the Swabian branch of the Hohenzollern dynasty.

The democratic Revolution of 1848 was relatively successful in Hohenzollern, and on 16 May 1848, the Prince was forced to accept the establishment of a constitution.

However, the conflict between monarch and democrats continued, and on 6 August 1849, Hohenzollern was occupied by Prussian forces.

On 7 December 1849, Prince Constantine sold the country to his relative, King Frederick William IV of Prussia.

On 12 March 1850, Hohenzollern-Hechingen officially became part of Prussia, and formed together with Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen the Province of Hohenzollern.