Hickman County was known to early French explorers as the "Iron Banks," to Chickasaw Indians as "the Dark and Bloody Land" or "the Happy Hunting Ground," to early settlers as "the Promised Land," and finally to one and all who live here as "God's Country" or "home." Organized in 1822, Hickman County was named for Capt. Paschal Hickman, a hero of the War of 1812. From gently rolling knolls, abrupt hills, and deep ravines, to the rich bottomlands next to the river, all can be found in this 225-square-mile county. Visitors and residents enjoy camping and touring the Civil War museum at the Columbus-Belmont State Park, the beautiful scenery from the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, hiking at Murphy's Pond, or walking back in history at the Hickman County Museum.