York County Genealogy
- Formed 1785
- Parent district Camden District; Pinckney District 1791–1800
- County seat York
- Neighbors Cherokee, Chester, Lancaster, Union
In-depth topics
York County was formed in 1785 (Camden District; Pinckney District 1791–1800). The county seat is York. Neighboring counties include Cherokee, Chester, Lancaster, Union.
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).
York County, SC was formed in 1785 as a part of the Camden District, in 1791 it became a part of the Pinckney District and finally was seperate in 1800 when the Pinckney district was abolished. The area was originally inhabited by the Catawba Indians, until a treaty in 1763 gave the Catawba's land to the colonists. Today, the Catawba's are the only federally recognized Indian tribe in the state of South Carolina. The Battle of Kings Mountain in the Revolutionary War was fought within the boundaries of the current York County, as was the battle of Williamsons Plantation. (Both of these were in 1780.)
York County, SC was named for York County Pennsylvania. In 1897, Cherokee County was formed from part of York County, SC.
York County South Carolina Genealogical and Historical Society
P.O. Box 3061 Crs
Rock Hill, SC 29732
Cemeteries
USGS listing of cemeteries in York County
Query Forums
York County, SC Forum for Queries
Cities and towns of York County:
- Clover
- Fort Mill
- Hickory Grove
- India Hook
- Lake Wylie
- Lesslie
- McConnells
- Newport
- Riverview
- Rock Hill
- Sharon
- Smyrna
- Tega Cay
- York
History notes
York 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 York 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 York 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 York 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
York County Courthouse
York, South Carolina
https://www.yorkcountygov.com/