What's New? Books Cemeteries Cherokee Nation Creek Nation Cities & Towns Courthouse Information Family Genealogies Funeral Homes Genealogical Societies History of Muskogee Co Historic Muskogee Homes Home Pages
Libraries Look-Ups Maps Marriages Museums Myths, Legends & Stories Newspapers -Information Newspapers -Abstracts/transcriptions Muskogee Newspaper Obituary Indexes
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(Muskogee County Genealogical Society Website)Obituaries -1800s People, Places & Things Photo Gallery Post Cards Queries Reunions Schools Muskogee Co. Mail List Muskogee County Message Board this Site Muskogee Co. Archives USGenWeb OK Archives Vital Records Office for Oklahoma OKGenWeb
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Tips for Research In Muskogee County
The history of Oklahoma and that of Indian Territory are unique among the other U. S. states. For that reason it is important that you learn a little of the history before beginning your research in Muskogee County. Ancestry's Redbook has a helpful account of that history as well as an overview of the different types of records, when they became available, and some of the Libraries and Archives that have them.
One of the most important facts that you need to know is that Oklahoma became a state in November of 1907. Before that, Muskogee County was Indian Territory, part was Creek Nation and part was Cherokee Nation. The Historical Atlas of Oklahoma is a good source of maps with historical descriptions.
Since you've probably found clues that tell you your ancestors were in Indian Territory or later in Oklahoma you may have some idea of where they lived. The U. S. Federal Census records are a good place to start to help you determine their presence. These records begin in 1900 for Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory. 1910, 1920, 1930 and 1940 are available for the State of Oklahoma. The WPA produced a Soundex index for 1900-1920. There are good indexes for census online now but remember that the 1900 census has more than one schedule. The general population schedule and the Indian schedule. Don't give up on finding your ancestor without checking both.
Whether you are planning a research trip to Muskogee County or are going to do your research from home, Muskogee Public Library is the place to start. For a description of the materials and research services available at the library, read my library pages. Most of the county records you would need to check that are pre 1930 are found on microfilm at the library. Read my pages about the County Court Clerk's office and the County Clerk's office to see what records are located in each. Save yourself time as well as money by knowing where to write, call, email or go for each record that you need.
While the Internet is a wonderful research tool, you'll never be able to find everything about your ancestors here. A good researcher looks for the original records and documents that their ancestors produced and those are most often found only in the local courthouses, libraries, museums and archives.
Muskogee History Links
Thomas-Foreman Historic Home
Five Civilized Tribes Museum
U.S.S. Batfish and War Memorial Park and Museum
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Three Rivers Museum
Muskogee and Muskogee County History on Facebook
Muskogee Community Calendar
Muskogee's Sister Counties
Wagoner Cherokee Sequoyah Haskell McIntosh Okmulgee
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"This Page Was Last Updated Wednesday, 27-Dec-2023 22:15:00 EST"
© Sue Tolbert 2023