Washington County Genealogy Records

Washington County was created in 1799 from Tyrrell County and named for George Washington. The county seat is Plymouth, which was named after Plymouth, Massachusetts by settlers who traced their roots to New England. Located in the Albemarle region of northeastern North Carolina, Washington County has a history shaped by its proximity to rivers and sounds. The area saw significant action during the Civil War, most notably the Battle of Plymouth in April 1864. Genealogy records in Washington County reach back to 1799, and earlier records for this territory can be found under Tyrrell County.

Washington County Register of Deeds

The Washington County Register of Deeds is the primary office for genealogy records in the county. This office maintains birth certificates from 1913, marriage records from 1799, death certificates from 1913, and land records from 1799. Court records also date to 1799. The marriage and land records provide a continuous chain from the county's formation through the present day.

The office is located at 120 Adams Street in Plymouth. Staff can assist with locating specific records when you provide names and approximate dates. Copies of vital records may be requested in person or by mail. For marriages that occurred in this geographic area before 1799, researchers should consult Tyrrell County records. The Tyrrell County records extend back to the mid-1700s and cover the territory that became Washington County.

Civil War Records and the Battle of Plymouth

The Battle of Plymouth in April 1864 was one of the most significant Civil War engagements in eastern North Carolina. Confederate forces under Brigadier General Robert F. Hoke attacked the Union garrison at Plymouth over three days, ultimately capturing the town with the help of the ironclad CSS Albemarle. This battle left a lasting impact on Washington County and generated military records, casualty lists, and pension files that are valuable for genealogy research.

Researchers tracing families who lived in Washington County during the Civil War should check both Confederate and Union military records. Many local men served in North Carolina regiments, and their service records are held at the National Archives and the North Carolina State Archives. Pension applications filed after the war often contain biographical details, family information, and testimony from neighbors that shed light on prewar and wartime life. The Washington County Historical Society preserves materials related to the battle and the broader history of the county.

Washington County Court and Probate Records

Court records in Washington County date from 1799 and are held by the Clerk of Superior Court in Plymouth. These files include civil and criminal case records, wills, estate inventories, guardianship papers, and apprenticeship records. Probate records are a key source for genealogy in Washington County because they document the distribution of property among heirs and often name family members who do not appear in other records.

The Albemarle region was settled relatively early in North Carolina's colonial history, and families in what became Washington County had deep roots by the time the county was formed. Wills from the early 1800s reflect this established community, listing land parcels along local waterways and naming multiple generations of family members. Estate inventories provide a detailed look at the agricultural economy, listing crops, boats, fishing equipment, and livestock alongside household goods.

Land and Deed Records in Washington County

Land records at the Washington County Register of Deeds begin in 1799. These include deeds, grants, plats, and mortgage records. The county's geography, defined by the Roanoke River, Albemarle Sound, and numerous creeks, shaped the patterns of land ownership. Many early deeds reference waterways as boundaries, and tracts along navigable streams were the most sought after.

Colonial-era land grants for this area can be found under Tyrrell County and through the North Carolina Land Grant files at the State Archives. After Washington County was formed, deed books record the ongoing transfer of property among families. Timber and farming were the primary uses of land, and records from the 1800s often describe large tracts being divided among heirs or sold to incoming settlers. Plat maps show property shapes and name neighbors, helping researchers build a picture of the community around their ancestors.

Birth and Death Records in Washington County

Statewide birth and death registration in North Carolina began in October 1913. Washington County holds certificates from that date at the Register of Deeds office. For births and deaths before 1913, researchers must turn to alternative sources. Church records from Plymouth and surrounding communities, cemetery transcriptions, and family Bible entries can fill gaps in the official record.

Washington County cemeteries hold inscriptions dating back to the early 1800s. Grace Episcopal Church in Plymouth and other historic congregations maintained burial records that predate statewide registration. Newspaper notices from the region occasionally recorded births and deaths as well. The North Carolina Vital Records office maintains statewide indexes for more recent vital events and can issue copies for records from any county.

Online Genealogy Research for Washington County

The NCGenWeb Washington County page provides free genealogy resources including transcribed records, cemetery listings, and links to other databases. Federal census records for Washington County are available from 1800 through 1950 on Ancestry and FamilySearch. These census returns track the county's population from its earliest years.

FamilySearch holds digitized microfilm for many Washington County record series, including deeds, marriages, and estate files. The North Carolina State Archives has microfilmed a substantial portion of the county's records, and some of this material is accessible online. Researchers working from a distance can also contact the Register of Deeds by mail or phone to request copies of specific documents.

• Check Tyrrell County records for families in the Washington County area before 1799
• Search military and pension records for Civil War connections tied to the Battle of Plymouth
• Review cemetery transcriptions from Plymouth and surrounding communities for pre-1913 vital data

Nearby Counties

Washington County was formed from Tyrrell County in 1799. Families in the Albemarle region often had ties across county lines, and records in neighboring counties may hold valuable genealogy information for Washington County researchers.