Dallas County was created by the Alabama Territorial legislature on Feb. 9, 1818 from Montgomery County, a portion of the Creek cession of Aug. 9, 1814. It was named for U.S. Treasury Secretary Alexander J. Dallas of Pennsylvania.

Dallas County is located in the Black Belt region of the west-central portion of the state. It is traversed by the Alabama River and bordered by Perry, Chilton, Autauga, Lowndes, Wilcox, and Marengo counties. 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, Orrville, and Minter.

More Dallas County History

• Historic Postcards of Selma
• Profile of Rev. Emanuel Yeisley, survivor of Cahaba Prison
• Battle of Selma
• History of Dallas County and the Dallas County Courthouse
• The Political Graveyard: politicians born or buried in Dallas County
• Perspective map of Selma, Alabama c.1887
• Records of Antebellum Southern Plantations 
• More history links

Online Records

• Census, Tax, Voter Records
• Marriage, Birth, Death Records
• Wills & Probate Records
• Deeds & Land Records
• Cemetery Listings
• Military Records
• Bible & Other Records
• Family Histories

Online Resources

• African Americans in Dallas County
• Civil War Research in Alabama
• Email Lists & Forums
• Other Resources

Researching Dallas County

• Archives & Libraries
• Courthouse & Government Offices
• Genealogical & Historical Socieries