Find Genealogy Records in Cape Girardeau County

Cape Girardeau County genealogy records are among the oldest in Missouri, with land and marriage documents going back to 1808. The Recorder of Deeds, Circuit Clerk, and Archive Center in Jackson all hold materials that are essential for family history research in this southeast Missouri county. This page covers where each record type is kept, how to request copies, and what free online sources are available.

Cape Girardeau County Recorder of Deeds

The Recorder of Deeds in Jackson holds land records and marriage documents for Cape Girardeau County going back to 1808. This makes the county's records some of the earliest in Missouri, predating statehood in 1821. Cape Girardeau County was organized October 1, 1812, and is one of Missouri's original counties. Its long record history means researchers tracing families in southeast Missouri can often find documents spanning multiple generations from a single office visit.

Documents in the Recorder's files include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, subdivision plats, military discharge records, and marriage licenses. Copies cost $1.00 per page. The standard recording fee is $24.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page. Marriage licenses cost $46.00 and require both parties to appear in person with a valid photo ID and Social Security number.

Cape Girardeau County Court Records

The Circuit Clerk's office in Jackson holds all court records for Cape Girardeau County, including civil cases, divorce filings, and probate materials. Probate records can be particularly rich for genealogy research because they name heirs, list real and personal property, and identify family relationships that may not appear in other documents. Wills and estate inventories from the 1800s are on file at the courthouse and may also be on microfilm at the Missouri State Archives in Jefferson City.

Cases filed after November 12, 2003 are searchable free through Missouri Case.net. This covers civil, family, probate, and criminal filings for Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court. For older records not in Case.net, contact the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse directly. Under Chapter 610 RSMo, Missouri court records are open to the public unless specifically sealed by the court.

Cape Girardeau County Archive Center

The Cape Girardeau County Archive Center is a local resource that holds historic documents, photographs, and genealogy materials specific to the county. This is a valuable supplement to the official courthouse records, especially for older materials that have been donated, preserved, or digitized by local volunteers. The Archive Center is worth contacting before or after a courthouse visit to find out what they hold for the time period and family names you are researching.

The Cape Girardeau County Historical Society also maintains local archives. Historical societies in Missouri often hold donated family files, cemetery surveys, and newspaper clippings that are not available through state repositories or online databases. For families with deep roots in Cape Girardeau County, local society collections can fill in gaps left by official records. Check the SHSMO directory at shsmo.org/local-societies/directory for current contact information.

The State Historical Society of Missouri research center in Cape Girardeau at Southeast Missouri State University is one of six SHSMO centers in the state and is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library. It holds regional newspaper files, manuscript collections, and access to Ancestry.com and other databases at no charge. Researchers tracing Cape Girardeau County families should plan a visit to this local center before traveling to Jefferson City.

Vital Records in Cape Girardeau County

Certified copies of birth and death certificates are available from the Missouri Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City. The Bureau holds records from 1910 forward. Certified copies cost $15.00 each. Call (573) 751-6387 or visit health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords for forms and ordering instructions. The local Cape Girardeau County health office can also issue certified birth certificates for events since 1920 and death certificates since 1980.

Death certificates from 1910 through 1969 for Cape Girardeau County are searchable and viewable free at the Missouri Death Certificates database. Search by name, year, and county. Each digitized record shows the cause of death, age, birth date, parents' names, and burial location when available. For deaths before 1910, the County Clerk may hold some local records from the 1800s, though coverage is incomplete.

Online Cape Girardeau County Records

Missouri Digital Heritage at sos.mo.gov/mdh gives free access to over 9 million records from the Missouri State Archives and partner institutions. No subscription needed. Start with the death certificate search for records from 1910 to 1969. Land patents and military records are also searchable through the same platform. Cape Girardeau County's long history means many of these databases will have relevant results for families in this area.

The Missouri State Genealogical Association publishes a quarterly journal and maintains a surname database for families throughout Missouri. Their Missouri First Families program is useful for tracing Cape Girardeau County families that arrived before Missouri statehood.

Visit the Cape Girardeau County MOGenWeb page for local genealogy records and research tips.

The Cape Girardeau County MOGenWeb page includes contributed family histories, transcribed records, and links to local databases that are specific to this southeast Missouri county.

Nearby Missouri Counties

Cape Girardeau County borders several counties in southeast Missouri. Families near the county line may have records filed in more than one courthouse.