Search For Your Ancestors

STATE QUICKLINKS

SPONSORS

Chester County, Pennsylvania
Genealogy, History & Facts

Chester County, Pennsylvania Facts

When was Chester County, PA Created?
Chester County was established on November 1682 as one of the three original counties.

What is the County Seat of Chester County, PA?
The County Seat is located in West Chester and in addition the county government website is www.chesco.org

What counties are adjacent to Chester County, PA?
Bordering Counties are Berks CountyMontgomery CountyDelaware CountyNew Castle County, DE, Cecil County, Maryland, Lancaster County.

Chester County, PA Vital Records

Where can find Chester County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Chester County vital records can be found at the Pennsylvania Office of Vital Records has copies of birth and death records since 1906 and death records. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Pennsylvania for current fees and application process. Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events.

You can search online for Chester County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Pennsylvania  Birth CertificateDeath Certificate Applications to mail.

Chester County, PA Census Records


What Chester County, PA census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Chester County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1790-189019001910192019301940.

Chester Co. Mortality Schedules can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Chester Co. Industry and Agriculture Schedules can be acquired for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Chester Co. Union Veterans Schedules can be found for 1890. You can find free down-loadable and also printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Pennsylvania Census Records Research Guide

Chester County, PA Courthouse and Government Records

Chester County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Chester County Courthouse?
The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Chester County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also Pennsylvania Courthouse Records Research Guide.

Chester County, PA Societies and Family History Resources

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

Where can I connect with other Chester County, PA Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Chester County, PA?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Chester County. Each of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business oriented Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some require a cost. This is basically a listing which has been compiled or submitted. I do not recommend or promote one genealogy site over another.

Chester Co. PA Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Chester Co. PA Books, Newspapers & Publications

Chester Co. PA Church / Bible Records & Cemeteries / Graveyards

Chester Co. PA Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Chester Co. PA General and History Websites

Chester Co. PA Immigration & Naturalization

Chester Co. PA Military Records