Macon County was created by the Alabama legislature on Dec. 18, 1832, from territory acquired from the last cession of the Creek Indians, Mar. 24, 1832. It was named for Nathaniel Macon, a distinguished soldier and statesman from North Carolina. Macon County received its present dimensions in 1866. It is located in the east-central portion of the state, and is bordered by Elmore, Tallapoosa, Lee, Russell, Bullock, and Montgomery counties. It encompasses 614 square miles. The county seat is located at Tuskegee, which means “warrior” in the Muskhogean dialect of the Creek Indian language. Tuskegee is also the site of Tuskegee University. Other towns and communities include Shorter, Franklin, and Notasulga. The Tuskegee National Forest is located in Macon County.
Probate Office: 101 E. Northside St. Suite 101, Tuskegee, AL 36083–1731.
Research Support Group: Macon County Genealogical Society, c/o Tuskegee Public Library, 302 S. Main Street, Tuskegee, AL 36083.
Among Records Held: Marriages, 1865–1931; Reverse, 1884–1915; Mortgages and Indirect Records, 1834–1882, 1884–1915; Deed Records, 1884–1903, 1836–1879; Orphan’s Court Records, 1841–1852*, 1834–1841**; Business Deposed, 1901–1906; Estate Records, 1820–1940.
*Minutes; **Records.
Other: Estates of Slaves and Freemen, 1860; Estate of Indians, 1835–1836; Estate of Lunetic, 1853–1858; Contract to Work Off Fines, 1853–1858; Will Records, 1851–1923, 1925–1928.