Local Research Tips

The links on this page should be visited before beginning research in Virginia counties, especially the ones in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck areas. Records in some counties may not exist due to them being destroyed by fire.

There is also a list of publications listed below that may be of use to researchers.


  • The four publications listed below are by Suzanne P. Derieux and Wesley E. Pippenger. More information about these and other area-related works.
    • King and Queen County, Virginia Marriage Records: Transcripts of Consents, Affidavits, Minister Returns, and Marriage Licenses, Volume 1: 1853-1874. (2013)
    • King and Queen County, Virginia Marriage Records: Transcripts of Consents, Affidavits, Minister Returns, and Marriage Licenses, Volume 2: 1875-1886. (2013)
    • Essex County, Virginia Marriage Records: Transcripts of Consents, Affidavits, Minister Returns, and Marriage Licenses, Volume 1 - 1850-1872. (2011)
    • Essex County, Virginia Marriage Records: Transcripts of Consents, Affidavits, Minister Returns, and Marriage Licenses, Volume 2 - 1873-1883. (2013)

  • Free People of Color prior to 1865