North Carolina Genealogy, Facts and Records Resources

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

In the heart of America’s south, the state of North Carolina has a very long history. It was one of the first states to be settled, it has Native American populations, it was heavily involved in the Civil War, it has a large amount of African American heritage, and much more. These are all reasons that so many people look for North Carolina genealogy data, and why so much is available.

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Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Avery, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Camden, Carteret, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Cherokee, Chowan, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Davidson, Davie, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Gates, Graham, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Haywood, Henderson, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Martin, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Person, Pitt, Polk, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Tyrrell, Union, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin, Yancey

North Carolina Facts

In 1585 ad 1587 groups of colonists from Great Britain were sent to Roanoke Island by Sir Walter Ralegh (often misspelled "Raleigh"). However, those attempts at building settlements in the area were not successful. Nevertheless, the first child of English parents born in America was born at Roanoke Island in 1587. Her name was Virginia Dare.

After the monarchy was restored in 1660, Charles II of England took power. On March 24, 1663 he gave rewards to 8 people who tried to help him regain his power. Those people, known as Lords Proprietor, were given the land that was at that time known as Carolina. It was named for his father, Charles I. From 1663 until 1729 Carolina was a British colony. Then South Carolina and North Carolina became separate provinces.

English colonists established permanent settlements near the Chowan River and the Roanoke River in 1653. From 1663 to 1665 the area had the status of being an English proprietary colony. It was also the site of several battles, rebellions, and raids, which included: Culpepper's Rebellion (1677), The Quaker-led Cary Rebellion (1708), The Tuscarora Indian War (1711 to 1713)

There was not much fighting in North Carolina when the American Revolution took place. However, several people from North Carolina fought in the American Revolution in other areas. During the Civil War many North Carolina residents were against slavery, but the state as a whole was on the side of the Confederacy. See also North Carolina History Page for more Details

North Carolina entered the union as the 12th state on November 21, 1789. It has 100 Counties. The capital is Raleigh and the official state website is www.nc.gov/.

North Carolina is bordered by Georgia (southwest), South Carolina (south), Tennessee (west), Virginia (north). It has a land area of 53,821 square miles making it the 28th largest state. The 2010 population was 9,535,483 and the largest cities (2010) are Charlotte, 731,424; Raleigh (Capital), 403,892; Greensboro, 269,666; Winston-Salem , 229,617; Durham, 228,330; Fayetteville, 200,564; Cary, 135,234; Wilmington, 106,476; High Point, 104,371; Greenville, 84,554.

North Carolina was was named to honor King Charles I (Carolus is Latin for Charles). North Carolinas state nickname is " Tar Heel State ". The State Motto is " "Esse Quam Videri   " which means To Be Rather Than to Seem.

Useful Hints for North Carolina Genealogy Research

Useful Hints for North Carolina Genealogy Research - In the heart of America’s south, the state of North Carolina has a very long history. It was one of the first states to be settled, it has Native American populations, it was heavily involved in the Civil War, it has a large amount of African American heritage, and much more. These are all reasons that so many people look for North Carolina genealogy data, and why so much is available.

A Good Beginning for North Carolina Genealogy - As you begin to look for North Carolina genealogy information you will need to understand that your resources will be found both online and offline. There are not a lot of smaller town or local archives that have been converted into online digital entities, and that means your first step in researching for North Carolina genealogy information is to develop a list of the different records that you will explore. This begins with some background information about the basic locations for finding genealogical materials.

Basic Tools for North Carolina Genealogy Data - This article is going to provide you with details about the resources available for anyone doing research for North Carolina genealogy. It is important to know that the basic list that all researchers for North Carolina genealogy will use includes:

  • State Records – these offer probate information including birth certificates, deeds, death records, estate information, marriage details, military or veterans information, land records, state census information, surname lists, genealogical folders, maps, private manuscripts, newspapers, cemetery information, and more. These are available as online and offline resources for North Carolina genealogy.
  • Local Records – you will normally begin with the county clerk’s office or website, and then use local genealogical societies, historical societies, small local libraries, and school or college libraries to provide you with important information for North Carolina genealogy. These are things that are usually offline and viewable by appointment or special arrangement.
  • Vital Records – birth, marriage, divorce and death records are available from county, state, and national archives. These are locations in which you will find cemetery or obituary information, census records, newspaper items, military records, immigration and naturalization details, passenger lists and records, and more. These are available as online and offline resources for North Carolina genealogy.

Your Main Resources for North Carolina Genealogy - There are many targeted resources for North Carolina genealogy information. The most substantial records for North Carolina genealogy can be found at:

  • NC Vital Records, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903. This is where you can order birth, death, marriage and divorce records.

Additionally, many records can be found at the following:

  • North Carolina State Archives, 109 E. Jones St., Raleigh, N.C. 27601. Here you can find records of state, county, and local governmental units, and copies of federal and foreign government materials. In addition to official records are many private collections, organization records, maps, pamphlets, sound recordings, photographs, motion picture film, and a small reference library too.

Lastly, websites such as those listed below will provide state-specific genealogical details that can work wonders for North Carolina genealogy enthusiasts.:

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