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County level research is essential in the pursuit of family and local history. The list below highlights the most common county courthouse records used by genealogists, but there are many more record sets available. Use the guides below and explore the specific resources for the counties of interest to assure that you locate all pertinent documents.
When requesting courthouse records, inquire about both docket books and paper files. Often both types of material exist for each record. While the two formats may merely repeat the data, one may be easier to read than the other. And, in many cases, there are further details, unique notations, over-sized pages such as maps, and so on, that are filed in only the docket book or in only the paper file. Seeing both will provide a more complete review of the record.
| Birth Records |
Note: Some counties recorded births and deaths as early as 1879; contact the specific county for information. Also Note: Before 1879 no births or deaths were recorded in Mississippi; substitute records must be searched. |
|---|---|
| Civil Lawsuits |
Note: Microfilmed copies are held at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. |
| Coroner's Inquests |
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| Criminal Court |
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| Death Records |
Note: Some counties recorded births and deaths as early as 1879; contact the specific county for information. Also Note: Before 1879 no births or deaths were recorded in Mississippi; substitute records must be searched. |
| Deeds |
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| Divorce Records |
Note: Records held as part of an unpublished guide, Index of Mississippi session acts, 1817. |
| Marriage Records |
Note: Mississippi Department of Archives and History maintains microfilmed copies from county courthouses. |
| Taxes |
Note: Early records are found at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. |
| Will and Probate |
Note: Microfilm copies at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. |
The subscription resources marked with a padlock 
are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.
Using Ancestry Library Edition for Mississippi
Begin your search through Ancestry's vast collections, by viewing the list designated as Mississippi records External.
Using FamilySearch for Mississippi
FamilySearch provides useful state and county wikis that make excellent starting points for research. The Mississippi Wiki External includes links to each of its counties.
FamilySearch has digitized many of its microfilms containing county courthouse records. Not all records have been indexed yet, so search engine results may NOT show you the full range of FamilySearch data. You must browse the FamilySearch catalog External listings for each county to view the full set of records available. The vast amount of accessible original records is well worth your time to explore.
There is no fee to use FamilySearch, but you must create a free, personal account to access the databases and digital records.
Below are selected print publications for statewide courthouse records. The following titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.
To locate additional published materials, go to the Print Resources section of this guide for search tips on locating published county courthouse records, abstracts, and indexes that may aide you in locating original records at the county level.
Courthouse Research for Family Historians by 
