York County Genealogy Records
York County genealogy research draws on records dating back to the county's formation in 1785 as one of South Carolina's original counties. York County sits in the northern Piedmont along the North Carolina border. Its history reflects the Scots-Irish and English settlers of the Carolina backcountry and the county's significant connection to the Catawba Indian Nation, whose reservation is located in York County. The county seat is York, and Rock Hill is the largest city. The York County Probate Court, Register of Deeds, and York County Library are the primary local sources for genealogy records. The York County Library holds extensive collections that include resources on the Catawba Indian Nation. Culture and Heritage Museums operates several historical sites in York County. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History in Columbia holds additional collections covering York County from its 1785 formation through the twentieth century.
York County Quick Facts
York County Probate Court and Marriage Records
The York County Probate Court holds marriage licenses issued from July 1, 1911 through June 30, 1950. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-1-20, every marriage in South Carolina requires a written application filed with the Probate Court before a license is issued. The court maintains a permanent record of all licenses as required by § 20-1-270. The Probate Court is at York County Courthouse, 2 S Congress Street, York, SC 29745. Phone: (803) 628-3036.
Estate records at the York County Probate Court include wills, inventories, administration papers, and guardianship files from 1785 forward. These documents name heirs, list property, and define family relationships across more than two centuries. York County's early probate records document the Scots-Irish and English farming families who settled the northern Piedmont. Later records reflect the county's textile industry development and the growth of Rock Hill as an industrial center. These files are primary sources for York County genealogy research from the county's founding through the modern era.
For York County marriage records from July 1950 onward, contact the South Carolina Department of Public Health at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Phone: 803-898-3630.
York County Library and Catawba Nation Resources
The York County Library at 138 E Black Street, Rock Hill, SC 29730 maintains extensive local history and genealogy collections including resources on the Catawba Indian Nation. Phone: (803) 981-5825. The Catawba Indian Nation reservation is located in York County, and the library's collections reflect the county's deep connection to the Catawba people and their history. Researchers tracing families with Catawba ancestry or studying the interaction between European settlers and the Catawba nation will find the library's collections a valuable starting point.
Culture and Heritage Museums operates several historical sites in York County and maintains historical collections. These museums preserve materials documenting York County's development from its backcountry origins through the industrial era. Researchers can contact Culture and Heritage Museums for access to its collections and research services.
The Online Records Index is the best free starting point for York County genealogy and covers two centuries of records from the county's founding through the nineteenth century.
York County Vital Records for Genealogy
South Carolina required birth and death registration starting January 1, 1915. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-10, every birth must be registered within five days. The South Carolina Department of Archives and History holds York County birth records for 1915 to 1918 online and death records for 1915 to 1963. The South Carolina Department of Public Health holds vital records from 1915 to present at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia. Phone: 803-898-3630.
Death certificates become public records 50 years after death under § 44-63-84. The free South Carolina death index for genealogy covers York County deaths from 1915 through 1967. For York County genealogy before 1915, church records and census data are the primary sources. The county borders North Carolina and researchers tracing families in the York area should also check North Carolina vital records for ancestors who may have lived or died across the state line. Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist churches in York County maintained registers going back to the late eighteenth century.
York County Register of Deeds and Land Records
The York County Register of Deeds maintains land records dating back to 1785. The office is at 2 S Congress Street, York, SC 29745. Phone: (803) 628-3038. Deeds, mortgages, and plats document property ownership across more than two centuries. Under Title 30 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, counties are required to maintain and preserve these public land records.
The SCDAH Online Records Index includes state land grant plats from 1784 to 1868 that cover York County. These early plats document original land grants in the northern Piedmont and along the Catawba River. The Catawba River formed an important boundary in the region, and early land grants in York County reflect the settlement patterns of both European settlers and their relationships with the Catawba nation.
York County Historical Society and Local Resources
The York County Historical Society preserves York County history and maintains genealogical collections. The society may hold records and materials not available through official county channels. The South Carolina Historical Society in Charleston at 100 Meeting Street holds statewide manuscript collections that may include materials relevant to York County families. Phone: (843) 723-3225.
The SCGenWeb Archives for York County provides free volunteer-contributed cemetery transcriptions, census extracts, and family histories. Winthrop University in Rock Hill may hold local history materials relevant to York County genealogy research.
The State Library guide is a practical reference for York County genealogy, helping researchers navigate records across the county courthouse, SCDAH, and DPH for all time periods.
South Carolina Archives Resources for York County Genealogy
The South Carolina Department of Archives and History holds York County records including court files, land documents, and census materials. SCDAH is at 8301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223. Phone: (803) 896-6100. The Research Room provides access to microfilm and a research library covering all 46 counties. Staff answer queries by mail, email, and phone.
The SCDAH Digital Collections include Confederate Pension Applications from 1919 to 1938 and Will Transcripts from 1782 to 1855. Will Transcripts from York County cover the period from the county's founding and are available free online. The Library of Congress South Carolina genealogy guide provides resources covering York County. The South Carolina Genealogical Society connects researchers to county-level genealogy resources through local chapters.
Cities in York County
York is the county seat of York County. Rock Hill is the largest city. The county also includes Fort Mill. Genealogy records for all York County communities are maintained at the county Probate Court and Register of Deeds in York.
Nearby Counties
York County borders several South Carolina Piedmont counties and North Carolina. Ancestors near the state line may have records on both sides.