Placer County, California Genealogy

∣ Societies and Family History Resources ∣ Government Records ∣ Genealogy Links ∣ Publications ∣ Census Records ∣
∣ Court, Probate, Land and Tax Records ∣ Birth Records, Marriage Records, Divorce Records and Death Records ∣
∣ Cemeteries & Graveyards ∣ Church & Bible Records ∣ County History ∣ Military Records ∣ Schools & Directories ∣

Placer County, California genealogy and family history research page. Identify links to record collections, history, and genealogy resources to help you locate your own Placer Co., ancestors. Get going by constructing a Free Family Tree.

Placer County Quick Facts

Placer County
  • Government Website: http://www.placer.ca.gov/
  • County Seat:  Auburn
  • Created Date / Origin:  April 25, 1851 from Yuba County and Sutter County
  • Boundary Changes:
    1. Territory was in Sutter County from 1850 to 1851 when it was moved to Placer County.
    2. Most of Placer County territory had been in Yuba County from 1850 to 1851 when it was moved to Placer County.
    3. Territory was in El Dorado County from 1850 to 1913 when it was added to Placer County.
    4. Territory which at one time was in Placer County is now in El Dorado County and Sutter County.
  • Named After: Placer is probably a contraction of the words plaza de oro (the place of gold) and in Spanish means “a place near a river where gold is found.” The county derived its name from the numerous places where the method of extracting gold from the earth, called placer mining, was practiced.
  • Bordering Counties: El Dorado County (south), Sacramento County (southwest), Sutter County (west), Yuba County (northwest), Nevada County (north), Washoe County, Nevada (east), Carson City, Nevada (east), Douglas County, Nevada (southeast)
  • Cities & Towns: Auburn, Colfax, Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville
  • CDPs ( census-designated place) Include Dollar Point, Foresthill, Granite Bay, Kings Beach, Meadow Vista, North Auburn, Sunnyside-Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista.
  • Other Communities: Applegate, Carnelian Bay, Homewood, Newcastle, Olympic Valley (Squaw Valley), Penryn, Weimar
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Placer County Genealogical & Historical Societies and Family History Resources

A list of Placer County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Forums, Message Boards, Libraries, Archives. See Also California Archives, Genealogical and Historical Societies for statewide Addresses and links.

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Placer County Courthouse and Government Records

Researchers often overlook the advantages of Placer County court, probate, and land files as a useful resource of genealogical details. Hidden away in California courthouses and archives everywhere tend to be the dreams and frustrations of the many California inhabitants.

The possibilities are great that your potential forefathers have left a detailed document of at least a number of facets of their lives in the Placer County court records. Even if your ancestors is not mentioned in a Court case, contemplate all of the other methods that could have lead to her or him showing up in court records.

Courthouse History - Once facing an uncertain future, this California landmark was restored in the 1980s and now houses the superior courts, jury rooms, judges' chambers, and court offices. A popular feature of the Auburn courthouse since 1908 is the Neff Fountain, a 15-foot-high water fountain that, according to one local historian, provided "a place where people, horses, and dogs could drink." The fountain is now used as a garden centerpiece in front of the courthouse.

Remember to get in touch with the clerk's dept to verify hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics prior to visiting or seeking information because of in some cases changing contact details. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The data files are readily available to interested parties, barring private issues. A good number of employees will assist persons in obtaining the materials, but it's up to the person to do the research.

Some counties encompass land settled in the eighteenth century; their records pre-date county formation. Land transactions and vital records recorded in the county are at the county recorder's office. The county clerk general has probate books and files from the county's superior court, civil court records, and naturalizations. Divorces may be in either place, depending on how filed.

The following facts indicates whatever marriage, birth, death, land, wills, and court records will be in Placer County. The years indicated below are considered the first widely known records for this county. Land was added from El Dorado County in 1913.

  • Placer County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
  • Placer County Recorder-Clerk is s responsible for examination and recording of all documents presented for recording that deal with establishing ownership of land in the County or as required by statute; administers the real property transfer tax law and maintains a permanent record and indexes of all documents for public viewing plus providing certified copies requested by the public; recording of all lawful documents such as deeds, deeds of trust, judgments, liens, affidavits, Uniform Commercial Code Financial Statements, etc; and the filing of Births, Deaths, and Marriages.
    • Phone: (530) 886-5600
    • Birth / Death Records: 1873
    • Marriage Records: 1851
    • Land Records: 1851
  • Placer County Clerk of Superior Court has probate books and files from the county's superior court, civil court records, and naturalizations. Divorces may be here or in the Recorders Office, depending on how it was filed.
    • Probate Records: 1850 
    • Court Records: 1852 
  • Placer County County Treasurer / Tax Collector
  • California Office of Vital Records has copies of birth, marriage, divorce and death records. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in California for current fees and application process. Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.
California Historical Records - Databases include California Court, Land, Wills & Financial Records; California Birth, Marriage & Death Records; California Voter Lists & Census Records; California Immigration & Emigration Records; California Obituary Records; California Military Records; California Family Tree Records; California Pictures; California Stories, Memories & Histories; California Directories & Member Lists and much more....
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Placer County Genealogy Links

The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources relevant to Placer County. A majority of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some require a payment. This is basically a listing which has been gathered or submitted. I do not recommend or promote one genealogy site above another. Feel free to suggest your own preferred Placer County genealogy or family history associated sites.

Placer Co. CA Books, Newspapers & Publications

Placer Co. CA Birth, Marriage & Death Records

Placer Co. CA Court, Probate Land and Tax Records

Placer Co. CA Census Records

Placer Co. CA Cemeteries & Graveyards

Placer Co. CA Church & Bible Records

Placer Co. CA Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

  • California Pioneer Project - The California Pioneer List (CPL) is a list of settlers to California who migrated to or were born in California prior to 1880 (included in the 1880 California Census) and obtained from those sent (e-mailed) directly from individuals doing genealogical research.

Placer Co. CA General and History Websites

Placer Co. CA Immigration & Naturalization

Placer Co. CA Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Placer Co. CA Military Records

Placer Co. CA Schools & Directories

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