Tuscaloosa Pioneers
Prior to 1830
In 1830, Tuscaloosa was the capital of Alabama. Its position at the Falls of the Black Warrior River provided Tuscaloosa with a navigable river route all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Its position in the west central part of Alabama meant that Tuscaloosa had roads leading into it from all parts of the state and region and it was established not only as the hub of business and political life but as a gateway to the new frontiers of the South. Hundreds of pioneer families poured into the county in the 1820s from all walks of life. Many stayed but many families or portions of families soon moved westward to Mississippi, western Louisiana, Southern Arkansas, Texas, and territories beyond. Today these descendants are spread across our country.
The Tuscaloosa Genealogical Society Inc. offers a wonderful lineage program. If you can genealogically prove your descent back to a founding pioneer or pioneer couple that was LIVING in Tuscaloosa County prior to 1830, we would love for you to fill out an application and submit copies of your documents. You can use things such as census records, land records, birth, marriage and death records, family bible records, adoption records, probate, estate papers, and wills, etc. You CAN'T simply submit a lineage chart or an approved application from a lineage society to be considered.
It is a fantastic way for you to ensure your hard work and research don't get forgotten. You are honoring your ancestors as well as contributing to the rich history of Tuscaloosa County.
You MUST be a member of The Tuscaloosa Genealogical Society, Inc. in order to receive a certificate plus a cost of $10. You may print copies of the documents and send them to the P.O. Box OR you may choose to send the documents to the Society's email. Likewise, you may choose to send a check to the P.O. Box or you can send the fee through PayPal.
In 1980 the Tuscaloosa Genealogical Society organized an attempt to collect family information on as many of the Tuscaloosa County pioneers as possible. The result of its eighteen months of intense work is a splendid hardcover volume of over 500 pages completely indexed. This book has a wealth of information but there are still families that were left off the 1830 US Federal Census for various reasons and will still need further research. The Tuscaloosa Public Library has copies and there is a digital copy below that is free to download.
You can be a descendant through adoption as well. We don't require a direct bloodline connection. We will be storing all of the lineage information and including portions in upcoming Roots & Branches or other new technology. If you have any questions please reach out to Ricky House Jr. | Pioneer Program Chairman
Downloads
Tuscaloosa Pioneers Prior to 1830 Application
Pioneers of Tuscaloosa County, Alabama Prior to 1830 (Book)