Why Parent Districts Matter More Than Modern County Names

South Carolina researchers lose years searching the wrong courthouse. A family “from Dillon” in 1860 did not leave Dillon County records—the county did not exist yet.

1. Write the event year first.
2. Open the modern county hub and read formation + parent notes.
3. Search the parent jurisdiction (and neighbors) before declaring a brick wall.

Method: Districts & counties guide · Path: Start here.