Chilton County AL

Chilton County, located in central Alabama, was originally established as Baker County on December 30, 1868, and renamed on December 17, 1874, in honor of William Parish Chilton, a Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court and a Confederate congressman. Clanton serves as the county seat, central to the county’s governance and historical records. Chilton County is noted for its agricultural contributions, particularly peaches, which have played a significant role in its economy and culture, earning it the title of Alabama’s peach capital. The county’s geography, characterized by its position in both the Appalachian foothills and the Black Belt region, has influenced its development and the lifestyle of its inhabitants, offering a blend of agricultural and industrial growth over the years. For genealogists, Chilton County provides valuable records, including vital statistics, land deeds, and court records, that reflect the rich history of settlement and change in the area. These records are indispensable for researching family histories, especially for those whose ancestors may have lived in the area during its transition from Baker to Chilton County, providing insights into the social and economic dynamics of the region through various historical periods.