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Charleston County,
South Carolina History & Facts

Charleston County, South Carolina Facts

When was Charleston County, SC Created?
Charleston County was established on 1769 from Charleston District (formed in 1769) and includes the old St. Philip Parish, St. Michael Parish, Christ Church Parish, St. Andrew Parish, St. John Colleton Parish, and part of St. James Santee Parish..

What is the County Seat of Charleston County, SC?
The County Seat of government is situated in Charleston plus the county government website is www.charlestoncounty.org/

What counties are adjacent to Charleston County, SC?
Bordering counties are Berkeley CountyGeorgetown CountyColleton CountyDorchester County.

Charleston County, SC Vital Records

Where can find Charleston County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Charleston County vital records can be found at the South Carolina Department of Health has copies of birth records after 1913 and death records after 1930, copies of marriage since Jan 1962 and a Divorce records since 1958. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in South Carolina for current fees and application process.

Charleston County Health Department has birth and death records from January 01, 1915. Marriage records prior to 1950 are available from the Probate Court office. Divorce records since April 1949 are available from the County Clerk’s office. There were no South Carolina birth or Death “certificates” before January 01, 1915

You can search online for Charleston County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for South Carolina Birth and Death CertificateMarriage and Divorce Certificate Application to mail.

Charleston County, SC Census Records


What Charleston County, SC census records are available?
County census records consists of Federal Census Schedules to aid in finding out about your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1790-189019001910192019301940.

Charleston Co. Slave Schedules can be acquired for 1850 & 1860. Charleston Co. Mortality Schedules can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Charleston Co. Industry and Agriculture Schedules can be obtained for 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. Charleston Co. Union Veterans Schedules can be acquired for 1890. One can find free downloadable not to mention printable census forms to help you with your research.

Charleston County, SC Courthouse and Government Records

Charleston County Courthouse

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Cherokee County, SC?

  • Charleston County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: 100 Broad Street, Suite 106, Charleston, SC 29401
    • Charleston City Records are in Charleston County; Birth Records / Death Records from 1871 / 1821; Marriage Records from 1871; Land Records from 1858; Probate Records from 1790; Court Records from 1774
  • Charleston County Register of Deeds
    • Address: 101 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401-2249
    • Phone: (843) 958-4800
    • Land Records: 1671
  • Charleston County Clerk of Probate Court
    • Phone: (843) 958-5180
    • Marriage Records: 1911
    • Probate Records: 1671
  • Charleston County Clerk of Court
    • Phone: (843) 958-5000
    • Court Records: 1700
    • Divorce Records:since April 1949

In searching for genealogy records be sure to check the following counties as they were created from Charleston County: Colleton County in 1800 and Berkeley County in 1882.

Charleston County, SC Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Charleston County, SC?
A list of Charleston County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives.

Where can I connect with other Charleston County, SC Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Charleston County, SC?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources related to Charleston County. These genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business oriented Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some have to have a payment. This is just a directory that has been collected or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site above another.

Charleston Co. SC Books, Newspapers & Publications

Charleston Co. SC Church / Bible Records & Cemeteries / Graveyards

Charleston Co. SC Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Charleston Co. SC General and History Websites

Charleston Co. SC Immigration & Naturalization

Charleston Co. SC Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Charleston Co. SC Military Records

Charleston Co. SC Schools & Directories