Alabama African American Genealogy

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Alabama African American Genealogy Resources by County

Statewide Resources

Primary Research Centers

• FamilySearch - African American Resources for Alabama: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/African_American_Resources_for_Alabama
• Alabama African American Genealogy Research: https://alabamagenealogy.org/aa
• WikiTree African-American Resources for Alabama: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:African-American_Resources_for_Alabama
• AccessGenealogy Alabama African American Records: https://accessgenealogy.com/black/alabama-african-american-records.htm

Key Archives and Libraries

• Alabama Department of Archives and History: https://archives.alabama.gov/
• National Archives (NARA): https://www.archives.gov/research/alic/reference/ethnic-heritage
• Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society: Resources for African American genealogy research

County-Specific Resources

Autauga County

• Autauga County Alabama Genealogy: https://alabamagenealogy.org/autauga-county-alabama-genealogy
• AccessGenealogy Autauga County: https://accessgenealogy.com/genealogy/autauga-county-alabama-genealogy.htm
• 1860 Slaveholders and 1870 African Americans: https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~ajac/genealogy/alautauga.htm

Baldwin County

• 1850 U.S. Slave Census, Baldwin County: Available through WikiTree
• 1855 Baldwin County Free People of Color: Listed on WikiTree
• 1860 U.S. Slave Census, Baldwin County: Available through WikiTree
• 1866 Alabama Census, Baldwin County Freedmen: Available through WikiTree
• Africatown Resources: Africatown One Place Study, Clotilda Research

Chambers County

• Chambers County Library Cobb Archives: https://chamberscountylibrary.org/cobb-archives-genealogy/
• 1850 & 1860 U.S. Slave Census: Available through WikiTree
• Black Life in America Database: Available at Chambers County Library

Dallas County

• WikiTree Dallas County African-American Family History: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:Dallas_County,_Alabama,_African-American_Family_History
• Black Belt African American Genealogical and Historical Society: Based in Selma
• Black Belt of Alabama DNA Project: https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/black-belt-dna/about/background

Additional Counties

Lawrence, Limestone, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Madison, Mobile, Shelby, Talladega Counties - Resources available through statewide databases and county-specific ALGenWeb pages.

Specialized Resources

DNA and Genetic Genealogy

• Black Belt of Alabama DNA Project: https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/black-belt-dna/about/background
• African American Griot Legacy Project: Connected with Black Belt project

Cemetery Records

• Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com
• Alabama Historic Cemetery Register: Statewide cemetery documentation

Research Tips

1. Start with 1870 Census: First census to name African Americans
2. Check 1866 Alabama State Census: Specifically lists "Colored" residents
3. Search Freedmen's Bureau Records: Available on multiple platforms
4. Examine Slave Schedules: 1850 and 1860 for pre-emancipation research
5. Use Multiple Surname Variations: Names often changed after emancipation

Last Updated: July 2025 | For questions or additions, contact your local genealogy society