Jackson County, Alabama History & Genealogy

When was Jackson County, AL Created?

Jackson County was created on Dec. 13, 1819, from land acquired from the Cherokee Cession of 1819. This particular county was named in honor of Andrew Jackson (1767–1845), 7th U.S. President. You can read a summary narrative history of the county in The Encyclopedia of Alabama.

What is the County Seat of Jackson County, AL?

The act establishing Jackson County designated Sauta Cave as a temporary seat of justice. Bellefonte was the county seat from 1821 until 1859, at which time it was transferred to Scottsboro, which was named for Robert T. Scott, an early settler from North Carolina. In addition the county government website is http://www.jacksoncountyal.com/.

What counties are adjacent to Jackson County, AL?

Bordering Counties are Marion County, Tennessee (northeast), Dade County, Georgia (east), DeKalb County (southeast), Marshall County (southwest), Madison County (west), Franklin County, Tennessee (northwest).

What cities and towns are in Jackson County, AL?

Cities, towns and communities located in Jackson County include Bridgeport, Bryant, Dutton, Flat Rock, Higdon, Hollywood, Hytop, Langston, Paint Rock, Pikeville, Pisgah, Pleasant Groves, Scottsboro, Section, Skyline, Stevenson, Woodville

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

The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Jackson County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. There was record loss due to a courthouse fire in 1860 and 1920. 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.

• Jackson County Clerk of Circuit Court
  • Address: P.O. Box 397, Scottsboro, AL 35768
  • Phone: (256) 574-9320
  • Court Records: ?
  • Divorce Records:
• Jackson County Clerk of Probate Court
  • Address: Jackson County Courthouse, Scottsboro, AL 35768
  • Phone: (256) 574-9290
  • Marriage Records: 1851 (Marriages issued prior to 1936)
  • Probate Records: 1866
  • Land Records: 1819

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

Jackson 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 Jackson County Health Department .

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 Jackson County, AL?

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

• Jackson County Historical Society, Box 1494, Scottsboro, AL 35768; Publication: Jackson County Chronicles
• Jackson County Historical Association, PO Box 1494, Scottsboro, AL 35768-1494
• Jackson County Heritage Center, 208 S Houston St, Scottsboro, AL, 35768; phone 256-259-2122; fax 256-574-6991
• Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center, 428 W Willow St, Scottsboro, AL 35768; phone (256) 912-0471
• Tennessee Valley Genealogical Society, PO Box 1568, Huntsville, Alabama 35807; Publication: Valley Leaves

Where can I find someone to do historical or genealogical research in Jackson 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 Jackson County, AL. 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.