Search For Your Ancestors

Raleigh County, West Virginia
Genealogy, History & Facts

Raleigh County, West Virginia Facts

When was Raleigh County, WV Created?
Raleigh County was established on January 23, 1850 from Fayette County.

What is the County Seat of Raleigh County, WV?
The County Seat is located in Beckley and the county government website is http://www.raleighcounty.com/

What counties are adjacent to Raleigh County, WV?
Bordering Counties are Kanawha CountyFayette CountySummers CountyMercer CountyWyoming CountyBoone County.

Raleigh County, WV Vital Records

Where can find Raleigh County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Raleigh County vital records can be found at the West Virginia Office of Vital Records which has copies of birth and death records from January 1917 to present; marriage records from 1921 to present and divorce records from 1968 to present. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in West Virginia for current fees and application process.

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

Raleigh County, WV Census Records

What Raleigh County, WV census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Raleigh County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1850186018701880 (free index)1890 (fragment)19001910192019301940.

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

Raleigh County, WV Courthouse and Government Records

What genealogical records can I find in the Raleigh County Courthouse?
The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also West Virginia Courthouse Records Research Guide.

  • Raleigh County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 215 Main St, Beckley, WV 25801
  • Raleigh County Clerk
    • Phone: 304-255-9127
    • Birth / Death Records: 1853
    • Marriage Records: 1850
    • Land Records: 1850
    • Probate Records: 1850
  • Raleigh County Clerk of Circuit Court
    • Phone: 304-255-9135
    • Court Records: 1850

Raleigh County, WV Societies and Family History Resources

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

Where can I connect with other Raleigh County, WV Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Raleigh County, WV?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Raleigh County. Each of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business oriented Sites, Personal Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a payment. This is basically a list which has been collected or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site above another.

Raleigh Co. WV Books, Newspapers & Publications

Raleigh Co. WV Church & Cemeteries

Raleigh Co. WV Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Raleigh Co. WV General and History Websites

Raleigh Co. WV Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Raleigh Co. WV Military Records