Research in Missouri Genealogy, Facts and Records Resources

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

Nestled into the heartland of the United States, Missouri is a state packed with history. From the Native Americans who built sites such as the Cahokia Mounds, to the bustling city of St. Louis, there is a lot to say about the residents of the state. This is why there is so much activity in terms of genealogy and genealogical pursuits. This will all come in very handy as you begin searching for Missouri genealogy data.

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Adair, Andrew, Atchison, Audrain, Barry, Barton, Bates, Benton, Bollinger, Boone, Buchanan, Butler, Caldwell, Callaway, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Carter, Cass, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dade, Dallas, Daviess, DeKalb, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Gentry, Greene, Greene, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Hickory, Holt, Howard, Howell, Iron, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Laclede, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Livingston, McDonald, Macon, Madison, Maries, Marion, Mercer, Miller, Mississippi, Moniteau, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, New Madrid, Newton, Nodaway, Oregon, Osage, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Pettis, Phelps, Pike, Platte, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Ralls, Randolph, Ray, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, St. Louis, St. Louis City, St. Genevieve, Saline, Schuyler, Scotland, Scott, Shannon, Shelby, Stoddard, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Worth, Wright

Missouri Facts

First explored for Spain by Hernando de Soto, who discovered the Missouri River in 1540, the region was later claimed by France. In 1699, a French group under Sieur d'Iberville established the first permanent settlement near present-day Ocean Springs. Great Britain took over the area in 1763 after the French and Indian Wars, ceding it to the U.S. in 1783 after the Revolution. Spain did not relinquish its claims until 1798, and in 1810 the U.S. annexed West Florida from Spain, including what is now southern Missouri. See also Missouri History Page for more Details

Missouri was organized as territory on June 4, 1812 and entered the union as the 24th state on Aug. 10, 1821. It has 114 Counties. The capital is Jefferson City and the official state website is www.mo.gov.

Missouri is bordered by Arkansas (south), Illinois (east), Iowa (north), Kansas (west), Kentucky (southeast), Nebraska (northwest), Oklahoma (southwest), Tennessee (southeast). It has a land area of 69,709 square miles making it the 21st largest state. The 2010 population was 5,988,927 and the largest cities (2010) are Kansas City, 459,787; St. Louis, 319,294; Springfield, 159,498; Independence, 116,830; Columbia, 108,500; Lee's Summit, 91,364; O'Fallon, 79,329; St. Joseph, 76,780; St. Charles, 65,794; St. Peter's, 52,757.

Missouri named for an Algonquian Indian word that means "river of the big canoes." Mississippi's state nickname is the Show Me State. The State Motto is "Salus populi suprema lex esto " which means The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.

Missouri Genealogy Tips & Hints

The Basic Steps for Missouri Genealogy Data Gathering - Where do you start the quest for Missouri genealogy information? This is one of the best things about modern genealogy – a lot of it can be done from the comfort of home. It is no longer essential that you head out into the real world to simply begin doing research for Missouri genealogy projects. This is due to the ways that many groups have digitalized their archives and collections and put them on the Internet.

Of course, not all groups have been able to do so, but it is helpful to know that you can start searching for Missouri genealogy data online, and save time and energy. When you know that a trip is required, you can still use online resources to ensure you will get what you need in the “offline” location.

Learning which resources for Missouri genealogy will be available online, and which require a visit, is the first essential step in getting materials for Missouri genealogy research.

Essential Records for Missouri Genealogy Research - The public records that can be found in many locations are also found readily on the Internet too. You must know how to look for them, however, and using the following labels is going to be very useful in your search for Missouri genealogy information:

  • State Records – this group includes probate information, birth certificates, cemetery information, death records, deeds, estate information, genealogical folders, land records, maps, marriage details, military or veterans information, newspapers, private manuscripts, state census information, surname lists and more. These are available as online and offline resources for Missouri genealogy.
  • Local Records – traditionally, state research requires a visit to a county clerk’s office or website. From there you will often find yourself at small local libraries, historical societies, local genealogical societies, and school or college libraries for Missouri genealogy information. These are items that are usually offline and viewable by appointment or special arrangement.
  • Vital Records – these are the birth, marriage, divorce and death records from county, state, and national archives. They include newspaper items, military records, immigration and naturalization details, cemetery or obituary information, census records, and passenger lists and records as well. These tend to be available as online or offline resources for Missouri genealogy.

The Most Targeted Websites and Locations for Missouri genealogy Data - The following sources are going to give you the targeted materials needed for Missouri genealogy projects of any kind:

  • Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570; Website: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/missouri.htm . This is where you may order birth, death, marriage and divorce records via a written request or even through an online form.

Additional state and local records can be found at the:

  • Missouri State Archives, 600 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101; Website: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/ . This site has received awards from “Family Tree Magazine” for the strength of its genealogical materials. It has also been recognized by the same group for the effectiveness of the website for those looking for Missouri genealogy materials.

Also, consider using the Missouri State Genealogical Association page at: http://www.mosga.org/.

Also, these websites give researchers a tremendous amount of state-specific details for those in search for Missouri genealogy data.

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