Vital Records From The Golden State

by Pamela Velazquez

Posted on March 21, 2014

California has a great history involving the Gold Rush and a rapidly growing population since it was first settled by the Spanish in 1769. If your ancestors were from California or travelled here during the rapid population boom of the Gold Rush, there are several records on the Archives.com that can help you track down your golden state ancestors and make you yell, 'Eureka!'California_flag_4.26.10.png

Here is a list of some of the great California vital records we have available: 

California Birth Records: 

California Birth Index from 1905 to 2009 - This index includes records include the following information, when available: name, birth date, gender, mother's maiden name, and county of birth and were compiled by the California Department of Public Health. 

California Marriage Records: 

California Marriage Records from 1841-2004 - These records have been compiled by several sources, but when available they will include each record contains the full name of the bride and groom, the date and location of marriage, residences, as well as the certificate number. 

For more contemporary marriages, search our California State Marriage Records from 1960-1985.

Lastly, we have another expansive database:  California Marriage Records for Various Counties, 1850-1952.

California Death Records: 

California Death Index from 1905-1997 - Compiled by the California Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics this index will include name, gender, death date, death location, birth date, birth location, mother's maiden name, and father's last name when available. 

Hopefully these vital record databases will help you those pesky California ancestors you've been looking for! Happy searching. 

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