Do you have ancestors who settled in or passed through Alabama? Alabama began its American colonial life as the eastern portion of the Mississippi Territory. When Mississippi became a state in 1817, Alabama Territory was created with statehood soon following in 1819. Fertile farming land cause Alabama’ population to swell from 10,000 people in 1810 to over 300,000 just twenty years later. Many, but not all of Alabama’s new residents hailed from other Southern states.
There are a number of Alabama resources available online to help you learn more about your ancestors’ lives:
FamilySearch Wiki – Alabama – This is your best first stop to learn about Alabama resources.
Alabama Mosaic – This site describes itself as a repository of digital materials on Alabama’s history, culture, places, and people. Its purpose is to make unique historical treasures from Alabama’s archives, libraries, museums, and other repositories electronically accessible. . .
African-American Heritage in Mobile
Alabama Genealogical Society – Most resources can only be viewed by membership, but there are some good links that are free.
Acumen! – The University of Alabama’s digital archives with links to the history of Alabama and other southern states.
African-American Genealogy Research in Alabama
Online Alabama Death Records, Indexes and Obituaries
Alabama State Archives and Libraries
Alabama Department of Archives and History Digital Collections
Alabama Genealogical and Historical Societies – county and region list with links to websites
Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail
National African-American Archives and Museum
Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives
Alabama Baptist Historical Commission
Mobile Public Library – local history and genealogy
Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Alabama Media Group Collection
University of Alabama Digital Exhibitions
As usual – a reminder to locate all local genealogical and historical societies in your town or county of interest, as well as contacting local libraries to inquire about their unique local history items.
Happy hunting!