Colbert County was created by the Alabama legislature on Feb. 6, 1867, from part of Franklin County. It was abolished by the Constitutional Convention on Nov. 29, 1867, and re-established by the legislature on Dec. 9, 1869. It was named after George and Levi Colbert, noted Chickasaw chiefs, who resided in the county. Colbert County is located in the northwestern part of the state. It currently encompasses 589 square miles. It is bordered on the north by the Tennessee River and Lauderdale County, on the east by Lawrence County, on the south by Franklin County, and on the west by the State of Mississippi. An election in 1870 established the county seat at Tuscumbia. Other towns and communities include Cherokee, Sheffield, Leighton, and Muscle Shoals.
Probate Office: Colbert County Courthouse, 201 North Water and Main Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674.
Research Support Groups: Tennessee Valley Genealogical Society, P. O. Box 1568, Huntsville, AL 35807, Natchez Trace Genealogical Society, Box 420, Florence, AL 35360. Publication: Valley Leaves.
Among Records Held: Marriages, 1867–1948; Direct and Reverse Index, 1884–1903; Wills, 1861–1939; Settlement Book, 1902–1918.