Winston County, Alabama Genealogy

United States &gt; Alabama &gt; Winston County

History
Winston County was formed as Hancock County from Walker County on 12 February 1850, renamed Winston County on 22 January 1858.

"The Free State of Winston is a popular name given to Civil War-era Winston County, as a reflection of the county's generally pro-Union stance and resistance to Confederate rule during the war." The name comes from a series of resolutions made by unionists on 4 July 1861 at Looney's tavern. The resolutions stated that Alabama did not have the right to secede, but if it did, then Winston County had the right to secede from Alabama.

July 4, 1861 Winston county seceded from the state of Alabama becoming the "Free State of Winston".

Parent County
1850--Winston County was created 12 February 1850 from Walker County. County seat: Double Springs

Record Loss
1891 -- Courthouse burned and many records were damaged.

For further information on researching in burned counties, see the following:


 * Burned Counties Research
 * http://blogs.ancestry.com/circle/?p=2424

Neighboring Counties

 * Cullman
 * Franklin
 * Lawrence
 * Marion
 * Morgan
 * Walker

Family History Centers

 * Introduction to LDS Family History Centers

Web Sites

 * USGenWeb project. May have maps, name indexes, history or other information for this county. Select the state, then the county.
 * Winston County, Alabama Genealogy and Family History (Linkpendium)
 * Winston County, Alabama Genealogy and Family History (Linkpendium)