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Desha County, Arkansas
Genealogy, History & Facts

Desha County, Arkansas Facts

When was Desha County, AR Created?
Desha County was established on December 12, 1838 and was formed from Arkansas County.

What is the County Seat of Desha County, AR?
The County Seat is located in Arkansas City (the town of Napoleon was the first county seat. In the 1870s, the Arkansas River began to claim Napoleon and the county seat was moved to Watson. In 1879, it moved for a final time to Arkansas City) and in addition the county government website is www.arcounties.org/

What counties are adjacent to Desha County, AR?
Bordering Counties are Arkansas CountyPhillips CountyBolivar County, Mississippi, Chicot CountyDrew CountyLincoln County.

Desha County, AR Vital Records

Where can find Desha County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Desha County vital records can be found at the Arkansas Deptartment of Health has Birth & Death records since February 1, 1914, Marriage Records since January 1917 and Divorce Records since January 1923. You may go to the Desha County health department to obtain a Birth or Death certificates which can be issued while you wait. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Arkansas for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Desha County BirthMarriageDivorce or Death Records. You can also order Order Electronically Online or you can download an application for copies of Desha Co. Birth CertificatesMarriage CertificatesDivorce CertificatesDeath Certificates  to mail.

Desha County, AR Census Records


What Desha County, AR census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Desha County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 18401850186018701880 (free index)1890 (fragment)1900191019201930 and 1940.

Desha Co. Slave Schedules can be acquired for 1850 & 1860. Desha Co. Mortality Schedules can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Desha Co. Industry and Agriculture Schedules can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Desha Co. Union Veterans Schedules can be acquired for 1890. You’ll find free online and also printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Arkansas Census Records Research Guide

Desha County, AR Courthouse and Government Records

Desha County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Desha County Courthouse?

Researchers frequently overlook the great importance of Desha County court, probate, and land records data as a useful resource of ancestry and genealogy information. Buried away in Arkansas courthouses and archives everywhere are the ambitions and frustrations of countless Arkansas residents.

The possibilities are excellent that your forefathers have left a comprehensive document of at least a number of facets of their lives in the Desha County court records. Even if your forebears is not referred to in a Court case, contemplate all of the other procedures that could have lead to him or her to appear in court records. See Also Arkansas Corthouse Records Research Guide.

All County Offices Records are located in the Courthouse at Robert Moore Street, Arkansas City 71630; 870-877-2426, unless otherwise noted.

  • Desha County Clerk of Circuit Court
    • Phone: (870) 877-2411
    • Court Records: 1840
    • Land Records: 1839
  • Desha County Clerk 
    • Phone: (870) 877-2323
    • Marriage Records: 1852
    • Probate Records: 1852
  • BLM Land Records

Desha County, AR Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Desha County, AR?
A list of Desha County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide Arkansas Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.

Where can I connect with other Desha County, AR Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Desha County, AR?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Desha County. A lot of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Professional Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a cost. This is merely a list which has been compiled or submitted. I do not recommend or promote one genealogy site above another.

Desha Co. AR Books, Newspapers & Publications

Desha Co. AR Cemeteries & Church Records

Desha Co. AR Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Desha Co. AR General and History Websites

Desha Co. AR Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Desha Co. AR Military Records