Etowah County was created by the Alabama legislature on Dec. 7, 1866, and was originally named Baine County in honor of Gen. David W. Baine, a Confederate soldier from Lowndes County. The county was abolished on Dec. 1, 1868 by the Constitutional Convention and re-established on the same day, under the name of Etowah, which is from the Cherokee language. Etowah county is located in the northeastern section of the state, in the southern Appalachians. It is bordered by Marshall, DeKalb, Cherokee, Calhoun, St. Clair, and Blount counties. It currently encompasses 542 square miles. Sand Mountain and Lookout Mountain are located in Etowah County. Gadsden is the county seat, named after Col. James Gadsden, distinguished soldier, diplomat, and railroad president. Other towns and communities include Attalla and Rainbow City.
Probate Judge Office: 800 Forrest Avenue, P. O. Box 187, Gadsden, AL 35902, Northeast Alabama Genealogical Society, Box 8268, Gadsden, AL 35902.
Research Support Group: Northeast Alabama Genealogical Society, P. O. Box 8268, Gadsden, AL 35902.
Among Records Held: Births, 1944–1958*; Estate Case Files, 1869–1950; Estates and Land Records, 1869–1915; Marriages, 1867–1950; Deed Index, 1867–1878, 1921–1926; General Index to Deed, 1867–1902; Deed Records, 1866–1900.
*Delayed.
Other: Divorce, 1871–1950; Voter Lists, 1902–1912, 1924–1931.