One of my favorite repositories in Missouri ~~ Missouri State Archives

I want to tell you about one of the best repositories in Missouri. Many of you are aware that this repository has an excellent and award winning website on which they post searchable databases with links to digitized images. The archive that I am referring to is the Missouri State Archives.

• Location: 500 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102;

• Phone: 573-751-3280

• E-mail: archref@sos.mo.gov;

• Website: http://www.sos.mo.gov/records/

Why is this repository my favorite one in Missouri? This repository is an excellent place to find Missouri records. They are the official archive for the state’s historical records. Below is a list of just a few of the types of records they house:

• County records (on microfilm) including: Court records (circuit, county and probate); county assessors and collectors records; deed records; county birth and death records between 1883-1893

• Civil War records (Office of the Adjutant General) - excellent source of records for state militia; court martial papers; some confederate and union materials; and U.S. Colored Troops muster rolls and service records

• Missouri census records

• Missouri State Penitentiary records – various records ranging in time from 1836-1892

• Supreme Court of Missouri case files – original case files ranging from 1804 to 1896

• State records – includes various state government department records, governors records and secretaries of state records; vital records

• Sanborn Fire Maps for Missouri

• Plat Maps for all counties

To make sure you find the records you are looking for when researching your Missouri ancestors a careful study of the Missouri State Archives website is essential. Be sure to check out these links:

• Missouri State Archives Homepage: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/

• Collections: http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/collections.asp

• Missouri History: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/history/

• Genealogical research: http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/browse.asp?id=8

• Maps: http://www.sos.mo.gov/mdh/browse.asp?id=12

• County records on microfilm: http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/county/croll.asp

This is one repository you will not want to overlook when researching your Missouri ancestors!