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Sierra County, California
Genealogy, History & Facts

Sierra County, California Facts

When was Sierra County, CA Created?
Sierra County was established on April 16, 1852 from Yuba County.

What is the County Seat of Sierra County, CA?
The County Seat is located in Downieville also, the county government website is www.sierracounty.ws/

What counties are adjacent to Sierra County, CA?
Bordering Counties are Nevada CountyYuba CountyPlumas CountyLassen CountyWashoe County, Nevada .

Sierra County, CA Vital Records

Where can find Sierra County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Sierra County vital records can be found at the California Office of Vital Records has copies of birth and death records from July 1905, marriage records that occurred from 1949-1986 and 1998-1999, divorce records that occurred between 1962 and June, 1984. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in California for current fees and application process.

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

Vital Records can also be found in the Local Registrar of Births and Death, 100 Courthouse Square, Room 11, Mail to: P.O. Drawer D, Downieville, CA 95936; Office (530) 289-3295

Sierra County, CA Census Records


What Sierra County, CA census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Sierra County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 186018701880 (free index)1890 (fragment)19001910192019301940.

Sierra Co. Mortality Schedules can be found for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Sierra Co. Industry and Agriculture can be obtained for 1860, 1870 and 1880. Sierra Co. Union Veterans Schedules is available for 1890.

Another California census is the California State Census in 1852. One can find free online and printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also California Census Records Research Guide.

Sierra County, CA Courthouse and Government Records

Sierra County Courthouse

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

Researchers frequently overlook the great importance of Sierra County court, probate, and land records data as a useful resource of ancestry and genealogy information. Buried away in California courthouses and archives everywhere are the ambitions and frustrations of countless California 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 Sierra 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 California Corthouse Records Research Guide.

  • Sierra County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address:100 Courthouse Square, Downieville, CA 95936
    • Phone: (530) 289-3698
  • Sierra County Recorder-Clerk
    • Address:P.O. Drawer D, Downieville, CA  95936
    • Phone: (530) 289-3295
    • Birth / Death Records: 1857 / 1873
    • Marriage Records: 1853
    • Land Records: 1852
  • Sierra County Clerk of Superior Court
    • Probate Records: 1852
    • Court Records: 1852
  • Early California Wills

Sierra County, CA Societies and Family History Resources

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

Where can I connect with other Sierra County, CA Researchers through message boards and forums?

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

Sierra Co. CA Books, Newspapers & Publications

Sierra Co. CA Cemeteries & Church Records

Sierra Co. CA Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Sierra Co. CA General and History Websites

Sierra Co. CA Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Sierra Co. CA Military Records