The county seat of Stone County is known to most everyone as Wiggins – but it hasn’t always been known by that name. Early in 1830, the area’s first settlers came to a beautiful country, which was completely covered with virgin timber. In 1886, James Madison Hatten, son of Wiggins Hatten, homesteaded 160 acres of north central Harrison County. Due to the need for having a definite place to meet, trade and exchange news, a small village was established on a portion of Mr. Hatten’s land. The village was named Niles City, in honor of Judge H. C. Niles. In 1896, an attempt was made to get a post office in that name, but since there was a Niles City, Michigan, the Post Office Department declined. Therefore, another name had to be selected.

To honor Wiggins Hatten, one of the area’s pioneers, the name Wiggins was chosen. At the close of the Civil War, Niles City (Wiggins) remained a part of Harrison County with the county seat being at Mississippi City. Reconstruction days in Harrison County were difficult as they were all across the South. At the close of the war, there was little money in circulation and the citizens had to depend on what they produced, part of which was carried to market to be traded for coffee, sugar and flour. Clothes were homespun and there were no cash transactions. However, these economic conditions began to improve, and during late 1800s, a dream came true for the people of Wiggins when a railroad was built through the center of the county.