Dallas County was created by the Alabama territorial legislature on Feb. 9, 1818, from portions of the Creek cession of Aug. 9, 1814. It was named for Alexander J. Dallas of Pennsylvania, U.S. Treasury Secretary. Dallas County is located in the Black Belt region of the west-central portion of the state, and is traversed by the Alabama River. Dallas is bordered by Perry, Chilton, Autauga, Lowndes, Wilcox, and Marengo counties. It currently encompasses 975 square miles. Originally, the county seat was at Cahaba, which also served as the state capital for a brief period. In 1865, the county seat was transferred to Selma. Other towns and communities include Marion Junction, Sardis, and Orrville.
Probate Office: 105 Lauderdale Street, P. O. Box 987, Selma, AL 36702.
Research Support Groups: Black Belt African-American Genealogical and Historical Society, P. O. Box 971, Selma, AL 36702. Publication: monthly newsletter/quarterly journal.
Among Records Held: Delayed Certificates, ca. 1880–ca. 1930, 1920–1921; Deaths, 1920–1924, 1882–1888*; Marriages, 1862–1980; General Direct to Deeds and Mortgages, 1823–1888; Deed Record, 1842–1846, 1868–1869, 1875–1877, 1890–1896**; Poll Tax, 1901–1950 (m), 1920–1944 (f); Estate Records, 1820–1927, 1818–1957***; Wills, 1821–1935, 1821–1990****.
*Register; **Contain mortgage records; ***Estate Index, 1881–1957; ****Index to Will Records.
Other: Orphan’s Court Minutes, 1818–1851; Real Estate Sold for Taxes, 1872–1917; Divorce, 1890–1893; Convicts Transcripts, 1820–1923.