A post office was established at Panic in 1881, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1904.[2] The community most likely was named after thePanic of 1873.[3] Afolk etymology maintains the name originated when a pioneer fought off a bear with an axe.[4] Panic has frequently been noted on lists ofunusual place names.[5][6][7]
The first church inMcCalmont Township was built at Panic in 1871.[8] The township's first store was also established in Panic in 1882.[8] By 1917, Panic was described as a "tiny village".[9]
