Mississippi Genealogy

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Overview of Mississippi records

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Overview of Mississippi Genealogy Records

• History: Mississippi was first settled in 1699, became a territory in 1798, and became a state in 1817. It was part of the Confederate states during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865.
• Birth records: There were a few birth records kept as early as 1879, but they were very incomplete. Statewide registration of births in Mississippi began in 1912 with complete records by 1921. Birth records from 1912 to the present can be obtained from the Mississippi State Department of Health.
• Marriage records: Most counties in Mississippi began recording marriages as early as 1800. However, about 50% of the early marriage records before 1850 have been lost. Marriage records can be obtained from the circuit court for the county in which the event occurred. Marriage records from 1926 to the present can be obtained from the Mississippi State Department of Health.
• Death records: There were a few death records kept as early as 1879, but they were very incomplete. Statewide registration of deaths in Mississippi began in 1912 with complete records by 1921. Death records from 1912 to the present can be obtained from the Mississippi State Department of Health.
• Divorce records: Divorce proceedings are usually kept by the chancery court in each county. Divorce records for 1926 to the present can be obtained from the Mississippi State Department of Health.
• Census records: The first federal census available for Mississippi is 1820. There are federal censuses publicly available for 1820, 1830 (partial), 1840, 1850, 1860 (partial), 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940, and 1950.
County records: Court, land, probate, naturalization, and tax records were kept by the individual counties.
• Other records: Many cities and towns had newspapers, records kept by churches, cemeteries, histories, school, city directories, and other records that can be located on the city pages on this site. Records specific to minority groups can be found in the Minority Records section.
• All records: Online indexes and images of many of the above records can be found by using the links on this site.