DeKalb County, Alabama History & Genealogy

When was DeKalb County, AL Created?

DeKalb County was created on Jan. 9, 1836, from land ceded to the Federal government by the Cherokee Nation. This particular county was named in honor of Johann de Kalb (1721–1780), major general in American Revolutionary War. You can read a summary narrative history of the county in The Encyclopedia of Alabama.

What is the County Seat of DeKalb County, AL?

The County Seat is located in Fort Payne and in addition the county government website is http://www.dekalbcountyal.us

What counties are adjacent to DeKalb County, AL?

Bordering Counties are Jackson County (north), Dade County, Georgia (northeast), Walker County, Georgia (east), Chattooga County, Georgia (east), Cherokee County (southeast), Etowah County (south), Marshall County (west)

What cities and towns are in DeKalb County, AL?

Cities and towns located in the County include Collinsville, Crossville, Fort Payne, Fyffe, Geraldine, Hammondville, Henagar, Ider, Lakeview, Mentone, Pine Ridge, Powell, Rainsville, Sand Rock, Shiloh, Sylvania, Valley Head.

What historical and genealogical records can I find in the DeKalb County Courthouse?

The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in DeKalb County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also Alabama Corthouse Records Research Guide.

PLEASE READ FIRST!!! Please call the clerk's department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The files are available to interested parties, barring private issues. Many staff will guide individuals in locating the materials, however it's up to the person to carry out the research. If you need historical or genealogical research, click HERE.

• DeKalb County Clerk of Circuit Court
  • Address: 300 Grand Ave. SW, Suite 100 , Fort Payne, AL 35967-1863
  • Phone: (256) 845-8510
  • Court Records: 1836
  • Divorce Records:
• DeKalb County Clerk of Probate Court
  • Address: 111 Grand Ave, Ste 200, Fort Payne, AL 35967
  • Phone: (256) 845-8525
  • Marriage Records: 1836 (Marriages issued prior to 1936)
  • Probate Records: 1836
  • Land Records: 1836

Where can I find DeKalb County, AL Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?

DeKalb County vital records can be found at the Alabama Department of Public Health which has Birth And Death Records from 1908, Marriages from 1936 and Divorce Records from 1950. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Alabama for current fees, application process, and any privacy restrictions.

You can download an application for Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Certificates to mail.

Vital Records can also be found in the DeKalb County Health Department which has Birth and Death Records from 1885.

Marriage license records are available from the county clerk who issued the marriage license. Court divorce orders may be obtained from the clerk of the court that granted the divorce.

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for DeKalb County, AL?

A list of DeKalb County Historical and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide Alabama Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.

• DEKALB COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY, INC., P. O. Box 681087, Fort Payne, AL 35968-1612, or 2364 County Road 502, Fort Payne, AL 35968
• DeKalb County Library, 504 Grand Avenue, North, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967, Phone:  256-845-2671. Hours: Monday--10-8,  Tuesday-Friday--10-6, Saturday--10-3,  closed for all holidays
• ALDEKALB. A mailing list for anyone with a genealogical interest in DeKalb County, Alabama.To subscribe send "subscribe" to aldekalb-l-request@rootsweb.com (mail mode) or aldekalb-d-request@rootsweb.com (digest mode).
• ALDekalb-Rooters. A mailing list for anyone with a historic or genealogical interest in Dekalb County, Alabama. Surname queries are welcome. To subscribe send the following to aldekalb-rooters-request@genexchange.org: subscribe

Where can I find someone to do historical or genealogical research in DeKalb County, AL?

Generally the staff of public offices and local libraries and historical and genealogical societies cannot undertake extensive or detailed research for individuals beyond limited index lookups, etc. Each office can advise as to their policy. Scott Searches/Historycatcher is a professional research service that offers historical and genealogical research in DeKalb County. Projects can range from searching records & obtaining photocopies or digital scans of documents to more complex topical research and analysis, depending on need. Other services include an on-site photography service if you need photographs of cemetery markers, or other historically significant locations, and interviews with cooperative and knowledgable local persons, including high quality digital audio recordings, verbatim transcripts, or interview summaries.

Scott Searches/Historycatcher can also assist attorneys, estate administrators, professional genealogists, amateur family historians, reunion organizers, and individuals locate living relatives or descendants through specialized forensic genealogical services, and missing persons investigations.