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Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Genealogy & Facts

County Vital Records ∣ County Census Records ∣ County Courthouse and Government Records ∣
County Societies, Family History Resources and County Genealogy Links

Rapides Parish, Louisiana Facts

When was Rapides Parish, LA Created?
Rapides Parish was established on March 31, 1807 as one of the original 19 parishes. (originally created on April 10, 1805 as Rapides County, Louisana Territory as one of the original 12 counties). The parish was named for local river rapids (French: rapides) .

What is the Parish Seat of Rapides Parish, LA?
The Parish Seat is located in Alexandria and the parish government website is www.rppj.com/

What counties are adjacent to Rapides Parish, LA?
Bordering Parishes are Grant Parish, La Salle Parish, Avoyelles Parish, Evangeline Parish, Allen Parish, Vernon Parish, Natchitoches Parish.

What cities and towns are in Rapides Parish, LA?
Cities and towns located in the Parish include Alexandria, Pineville, Ball, Boyce, Cheneyville, Glenmora, Lecompte, Woodworth, Forest Hill, McNary.

Rapides Parish, LA Vital Records

Where can find Rapides Parish Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Rapides Parish vital records can be found at the Louisiana Office of Vital Records which has copies of birth and death records since July 1914. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Louisiana for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Rapides Parish Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Louisiana Birth or Death Certificate Application to mail.

The Louisiana State Archives has Birth Records that occurred in Louisiana more than 100 years from the end of the current calendar year. It also has Death Records that occurred in Louisiana more than 50 years from the end of the current calendar year.

Rapides Parish, LA Census Records


What Rapides Parish, LA census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Rapides Parish guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880 (free index), 1890 (fragment), 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.

Rapides Parish Slave Schedules can be found for 1850 & 1860. Rapides Parish Mortality Schedules can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Rapides Parish Industry and Agriculture can be acquired for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Rapides Parish Union Veterans Schedules can be obtained for 1890. You can get free online and printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Louisiana Census Records Research Guide

Rapides Parish, LA Courthouse and Government Records

Rapides Parish Courthouse

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

PLEASE READ FIRST!!! Please call the clerk’s department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The files are available to interested parties, barring private issues. Many staff will guide individuals in locating the materials, however it’s up to the person to carry out the research. The Courthouse burned in 1864, all records were lost

  • Rapides Parish Clerk of Court performs the functions of more than one office. As the Recorder, the office of the Clerk of Court receives, files, records and indexes all mortgages, conveyances and all other instruments recorded in the Public Records for the Parish. The Clerk’s Office receives and files all pleadings, such as petitions, answers, motions and other filings in Civil and Probate matters, as well as indictments, bills of information and other filings in Criminal matters. Another function of the Clerk’s Office is the issuance of Marriage Licenses and recording their returns after the marriages are performed.
    • Address: 701 Murray Street, Alexandria, LA 71301
    • Phone: (318) 473-8153
    • Marriage Records: 1871
    • Land Records: 1871
    • Probate Records: 1871
    • Court Records: 1904
  • USGenWeb Archives for Rapides Parish
  • BLM Land Records

Rapides Parish, LA Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Rapides Parish, LA?
A list of Rapides Parish Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide Louisiana Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.

Where can I connect with other Rapides Parish, LA Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Rapides Parish, LA?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Rapides Parish. Many of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Commercial Sites, Personal Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a payment. This is merely a listing which has been gathered or submitted. I do not recommend or promote one genealogy site above another.

Rapides Parish LA Books, Newspapers & Publications

Rapides Parish LA Cemeteries & Graveyards

Rapides Parish LA Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Rapides Parish LA General and History Websites

Rapides Parish LA Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Rapides Parish LA Military Records