South Carolina Genealogy Genealogy, history, and research resources for the Palmetto State

Lancaster County Genealogy

  • Formed 1785
  • Parent district Camden District
  • County seat Lancaster
  • Neighbors Chester, Chesterfield, Kershaw, York

In-depth topics

Lancaster County was formed in 1785 (Camden District). The county seat is Lancaster. Neighboring counties include Chester, Chesterfield, Kershaw, York.

Use the research panels below for modern starting points—government contacts, census, vital records, cemeteries—and read the legacy narrative for local history notes and older link collections (some updated).

Lancaster County was formed in 1798 from the old Camden District. Many of the early settlers here were from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. That area was named for the region in England of the same name. This was the same Lancaster with the symbol of the red rose that had opposed the House of York in England in the War of the Roses. Prior to the European settlement in the 1750's this area was settled by the Catawba Indians. The Indian paths that crossed through this area were important routes for the early settlers and in some cases current roads follow their trail. The Rocky River Road followed one such path and today SC Highway 522 follows it fairly closely.

Lancaster County Genealogy Resources

Lancaster County Government

Lancaster County Courthouse old link
P.O. Box 1809
County Courthouse
Lancaster, SC 29721

Census

Cemeteries

USGS listing of cemeteries in Lancaster County

Query Forums

Cities and towns of Lancaster County:

  • Abney
  • Heath Springs
  • Kershaw
  • Lancaster (County Seat)
  • Pleasant Hill
  • Spring Mills
  • Stoneboro
  • Taxahaw
  • Van Wyck
  • White Bluff

News related to Lancaster County, SC

History notes

Lancaster County's documentary trail follows South Carolina's district-to-county evolution. When searching before county formation, check parent districts and neighboring counties for deeds, estates, and tax lists.

Research starting points

Census

Federal census schedules (and some state/colonial substitutes) are foundational for Lancaster County household reconstruction. Start with every decade the family should appear, then correlate with land and probate.

Vital records

South Carolina statewide vital registration is comparatively late. For many Lancaster County families you will rely on a mix of county probate, church registers, Bible records, newspapers, and delayed birth certificates—not only a single “vital records office” file.

Cemeteries

Cemetery surveys for Lancaster County appear in published books, Find a Grave, USGenWeb archives, and local historical society vertical files. Always note whether a reading is complete or partial.

Courthouse & contacts

Lancaster County Courthouse
Lancaster, South Carolina
https://www.mylancastersc.org/