Research in Mississippi Genealogy, Facts and Records Resources

Welcome to the Mississippi family history research page. Here you'll find record collection links, history, and genealogy resources to help you trace your Mississippi ancestors.

Mississippi is definitely one of the most historic of the states, and because of its connections with Native American culture, African American culture, and the different groups that initially settled the United States, there is a large need for genealogical materials and archives. Fortunately, these are readily available for those looking for Mississippi genealogy materials of all kinds.

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Adams, Alcorn, Amite, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Claiborne, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Copiah, Covington, Desoto, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Grenada, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jeffrson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lee, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wilkinson, Winston, Yalobusha, Yazoo

Mississippi Facts

First explored for Spain by Hernando de Soto, who discovered the Mississippi River in 1540, the region was later claimed by France. In 1699, a French group under Sieur d'Iberville established the first permanent settlement near present-day Ocean Springs. Great Britain took over the area in 1763 after the French and Indian Wars, ceding it to the U.S. in 1783 after the Revolution. Spain did not relinquish its claims until 1798, and in 1810 the U.S. annexed West Florida from Spain, including what is now southern Mississippi. See also Mississippi History Page for more Details

Mississippi was organized as territory on April 7, 1798 and entered the union as the 20th state on Dec. 10, 1817. It has 82 Counties. The capital is Jackson and the official state website is www.ms.gov.

Mississippi is bordered by Alabama (east), Arkansas (northwest), Louisiana (southwest), Tennessee (north). It has a land area of 48,434 square miles making it the 32nd largest state. The 2010 population was 2,967,297 and the largest cities (2010) are Jackson (Capital), 173,514; Gulfport, 67,793; Hattiesburg, 51,993; Southhaven, 48,982; Biloxi, 44,054; Meridian, 41,198; Tupelo, 34,546; Greenville, 34,400; Olive Branch, 33,484; Horn Lake 26,066.

Mississippi name is perhaps from the Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indian words "mici zibi," which means "great river" or "gathering of waters". Mississippi's state nickname is the Magnolia State .The State Motto is "Virtute et armis" which means By valor and arms.

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Best Methods for Mississippi Genealogy Research

Essential Steps in a Search for Mississippi Genealogy Information - The mandatory first step for those searching for Mississippi genealogy materials is to get organized. This is done best when you understand the kinds of resources available. Today, you can use a computer to access many kinds of databases and digitized collections, and you can even obtain prints of documents for Mississippi genealogy projects.

When a group has not yet put their materials online, many still have websites that let you know what you can expect to find when you arrange a visit. Learning which of the resources for Mississippi genealogy are going to be available online, and which require a visit is the best initial step in getting materials for Mississippi genealogy research.

The Basic Records for Mississippi Genealogy Research - You will discover that public records are abundant, but if you don’t know how they are organized, you can waste time seeking materials for Mississippi genealogy work. Below are the best ways to view data:

  • Local Records – most of your state research efforts require a visit to a county clerk’s office or website. From there you can head to local genealogical societies, small local libraries, historical societies, and school or college libraries for Mississippi genealogy information. These are items that are usually offline and viewable by appointment or special arrangement.
  • Vital Records – generally this is the category for birth, marriage, divorce, and death records from county, state, and national archives. They include census records, newspaper items, military records, immigration and naturalization details, cemetery or obituary information, and passenger lists and records as well. These tend to be available as online or offline resources for Mississippi genealogy.
  • State Records – from probate information to private manuscripts, surname lists, newspapers, state census information, marriage details, military or veterans information, land records, maps, estate information, genealogical folders, death records, deeds, birth certificates, cemetery information and more; these are available as online and offline resources for Mississippi genealogy.

Targeted Research for Mississippi Genealogy Projects - Now that you understand the types of resources that will be used in your work, you can head to the links below, as these can give you the targeted materials needed for Mississippi genealogy projects of all kinds:

  • Vital Records, State Department of Health, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700; Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/mississippi.htm . This is where anyone can order birth, death, marriage and divorce records via a written request or even through an online form.

Additional state and local records can be found at the:

  • Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The Archives and Records Services Division is located in the Winter Building at North and Amite Streets in downtown Jackson. The division oversees the state archives and the public reading rooms, where documents, photographs, and other items from the collection are made available.
  • The Historic Preservation Division is located in the Charlotte Capers Archives and History Building, 100 South State St., Jackson; Website: http://mdah.state.ms.us/ . This department is a huge resource for those seeking for Mississippi genealogy and has an impressive website in addition to the resources available at the different locations.

Also, consider using the Mississippi Genealogy page at: http://www.mississippigenealogy.com/.

Also, these three websites give researchers a tremendous amount of state-specific details for those in search for Mississippi genealogy data.

 

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