Lauderdale County was created by the Alabama territorial legislature on Feb. 6, 1818, and was named for Col. James Lauderdale, a Tennessean killed at the Battle of New Orleans. Lauderdale County is located in the northwestern corner of the state. It is bounded on the north by Hardin, Wayne, and Lawrence counties, and on the west by the State of Mississippi. The Tennessee River forms the southern boundary between Lauderdale County and Colbert and Lawrence counties. It currently encompasses 661 square miles. The county seat was established at Florence, named by the city’s architect, Ferdinand Sannoner, for his home, Florence, Italy. Other towns and communities include St. Florian, Lexington, and Cloverdale.
Probate Office: 200 South Court Street, P. O. Box 1059, Florence, AL 35631.
Research Support Groups: Natchez Trace Genealogical Society, P. O. Box 420, Florence, AL 35360. Publication: Natchez Trace Newsletter.
Among Records Held: Marriages, 1820–1952; Deed Records, 1883–1901; General Index to Estate Records, 1820–1929; Estate Records, 1823–1824, 1917–1930; Divorce, 1916–1918; County Court Minutes, 1842–1868, 1825–1839; Wills, 1820–1929.