Dade County, Georgia History & Genealogy

When was Dade County, GA Created?

Dade County was established on December 25, 1837 from Walker County. The county was named in honor of Major Francis L. Dade (1793 - 1835), a military commander during the Seminole War. You can read a summary narrative history of the county in The New Georgia Encyclopedia..

What is the County Seat of Dade County, GA?

The County Seat is located in Trenton and in the current county government website is www.dadecounty-ga.gov/

What counties are adjacent to Dade County, GA?

Bordering Counties are Marion County, TN (north), Hamilton County, TN (northeast), Walker County (southwest), DeKalb County, AL (southwest), Jackson County, AL (west).

What cities and towns are in Dade County, GA?

Cities, towns and historic communities located in Catoosa County include Cole City, New England, Rising Fawn, Trenton, Wildwood.

What historical and genealogical records can I find in the Dade County Courthouse?

The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Dade County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also Georgia Corthouse Records Research Guide.

PLEASE READ FIRST!!! Please call the clerk's department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The files are available to interested parties, barring private issues. Many staff will guide individuals in locating the materials, however it's up to the person to carry out the research. If you need historical or genealogical research, click HERE. The County Courthouse burned in April 1853 and the second one was 21 November 1863. Some records were destroyed.

• Dade County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
  • Address: P.O. Box 613, Trenton, Georgia, 30752
  • Phone: (706) 657-4625
  • A Look at the History of Dade Co. Courthouse in Georgia
• Dade County Clerk of Superior Court has jurisdiction over cases for title to land and equity, felony cases, adoptions, divorces, , child support and custody enforcement. The clerk also is tasked with recording deeds and maintaining the chain of title to all property in the county.
  • Address: P.O. Box 417, 12371 Main Street, Trenton, GA. 30752
  • Phone: 706-657-4778
  • Land Records:1853 (A number of deeds that had been recorded prior to the April 1853 fire were re-recorded afterward the records survived the 1863 fire.)
  • Court Records: 1854
• Dade County Clerk of Probate Court responsibilities include legal proceedings forh Wills, Estates, Guardianships of minor children, Involuntary Committals Hearings, Issuance of Marriage License, ect.. The county probate judge's office is the office where the most valuable genealogical records are created and maintained in the state of Georgia.
  • Address: 75 Case Avenue, P.O. Box 605, Trenton, GA 30752-2429
  • Phone: 706- 657-3400
  • Marriage Records:1866
  • Probate Records: 1853 (one dated from 1853 and the other dated from 1855 that survived the 1863 fire. None before 1853 survived. There are NO loose probate papers until ca 1900.)

Where can I find Dade County, GA Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?

Dade County vital records can be found at the Georgia Department of Health which has copies for copies of birth and death records since Jan 1919, copies of marriage since June 9, 1952 to 1996 and a Divorce records index since June 9, 1952. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Georgia for current fees and application process, and any privacy restrictions.

You can download an application for copies of Dade Co. Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Certificate or Death Certificates to mail.

The Dade County Health Department can issue Birth, Marriage and Death certificates while you wait. Contact the Clerk of Superior Court for Divorce Records and the Probate Judge for Marriage Records.

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Dade County, GA?

A list of Dade County Historical and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Georgia Archives, Genealogical and Historical Societies.

• Dade County Historical Society, PO Box 512, Trenton, GA 30752
• Delta Genealogical Society, (Rossville Public Library ), 504 McFarland Ave, Rossville, GA 30741

Where can I find someone to do historical or genealogical research in Dade County, GA?

Generally the staff of public offices and local libraries and historical and genealogical societies cannot undertake extensive or detailed research for individuals beyond limited index lookups, etc. Each office can advise as to their policy. Scott Searches/Historycatcher is a professional research service that offers historical and genealogical research in Dade County, GA. Projects can range from searching records & obtaining photocopies or digital scans of documents to more complex topical research and analysis, depending on need. Other services include an on-site photography service if you need photographs of cemetery markers, or other historically significant locations, and interviews with cooperative and knowledgable local persons, including high quality digital audio recordings, verbatim transcripts, or interview summaries.

Scott Searches/Historycatcher can also assist attorneys, estate administrators, professional genealogists, amateur family historians, reunion organizers, and individuals locate living relatives or descendants through specialized forensic genealogical services, and missing persons investigations.