Cherokee County was created by the Alabama legislature on Jan. 9, 1836. It was named for the Cherokee Indians, who ceded the land that now comprises the county to the Federal government by the treaty of New Echota, Dec. 29, 1835. Cherokee County is located in the northeastern portion of the state, in the Appalachian Mountains. Cherokee County encompasses 553 square miles. It is bordered on the north by DeKalb County, on the west by Etowah County, on the south by Calhoun and Cleburne, and the east by Chattooga and Floyd counties, GA. For the first ten years, the residents of Cherokee County quarrelled over the location of a county seat. In 1837, the Alabama legislature authorized the seat of county government to be established at Cedar Bluff. In 1844 an election was held and the county seat was moved to the town of Centre. Other towns and communities include Jamestown, Gaylesville, Forney, and Rock Run.
Probate Office: 100 Main Street, Centre, AL 35960.
Research Support Groups: Cherokee County Genealogical Society, Box 90, Spring Garden, AL 36275, Northeast Alabama Genealogical Society, PO Box 8268, Gadsden, AL 35902, Publication: Northeast Alabama Settlers.
Among Records Held: Marriages, 1882–1936; Deeds, 1842–1924; Mortgages and Conveyances, 1904–1909, 1930; Divorce Records, 1873–1950; Voter Lists, 1919, 1939–1940.