Search Washington County Genealogy Records
Washington County is one of Minnesota's oldest counties, seated in Stillwater, and holds genealogy records spanning well over a century. Researchers can find birth, death, marriage, land, and probate records through county offices and the Washington County Historical Society. Both in-person visits and online tools give access to materials that help trace family lines in this east-central Minnesota county.
Washington County Overview
Washington County Recorder Office
The Washington County Recorder in Stillwater maintains vital records and land documents for the county. Birth, death, and marriage records are on file here, along with deeds and other property documents. For genealogy research, the recorder's office is the official source for copies of these records.
Some records may require proof of eligibility before a certified copy is issued. Genealogists can often obtain informational copies of older records. Staff at the recorder's office can explain what is on file and how to submit a request by mail or in person.
| Office | Washington County Recorder |
|---|---|
| Location | Stillwater, MN |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Website | co.washington.mn.us |
Washington County Historical Society
The Washington County Historical Society holds one of the more substantial local history collections in the Twin Cities metro region. Located near Stillwater, the society maintains family files, photographs, newspapers, church records, and published county histories. These materials often contain details that official records do not capture.
Researchers tracing Washington County families may find the historical society's collections especially useful for early settlement-era families. The society can also direct you to digitized materials available online and point out record gaps that affect certain time periods.
Note: Contact the historical society before visiting to confirm hours and any research fees.
Available Genealogy Records in Washington County
Washington County's records go back to the territory period, making it one of the richer counties for genealogy research in Minnesota. The combination of official county records and historical society holdings gives researchers a broad range of source types.
Vital records cover births, deaths, and marriages. Land records trace property from initial federal patents through later private sales. Probate records document estates and often name heirs directly. Court records can reveal additional family details in cases involving guardianship, name changes, or civil disputes.
- Birth records
- Death records
- Marriage records
- Land and property records
- Probate and court records
- Census records and tax rolls
How to Search Washington County Records
The Minnesota Historical Society People Records Search is a free tool covering births from 1900 to 1934 and deaths from 1904 to 2001. Washington County records are included in this database, which is one of the most useful starting points for 20th-century research.
For marriage records, the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) covers Washington County marriages across all available years. The search is free and returns basic certificate information. Washington County has early marriage records that may appear in MOMS or need to be requested directly from the county.
The FamilySearch wiki for Washington County lists digitized collections and guides researchers on what records exist locally. FamilySearch has indexed many Washington County records and offers free access to much of this material.
For certified vital records, contact the Minnesota Department of Health Vital Records at PO Box 9441, Minneapolis, MN 55440, phone 651-201-5970. Requests are handled by mail or fax.
Washington County Government Website
The Washington County Government website provides contact details for all county offices, including the recorder, court administrator, and other departments that hold genealogy-relevant records.
The county website is useful for finding current mailing addresses and phone numbers before submitting a records request.
Washington County Historical Society Collections
The Washington County Historical Society maintains rich local collections for genealogists researching the Stillwater area and surrounding communities.
The historical society is a strong resource for finding family papers, newspaper clippings, and church records not held by government offices.
MNGenWeb and Genealogy Trails
The MNGenWeb Project has a Washington County page with transcribed records and links to genealogy resources. Volunteers have compiled data that can help you find ancestors who lived in the county. These free resources are worth checking before turning to paid databases.
The project covers church records, cemetery transcriptions, and some vital records. While not comprehensive, MNGenWeb can point you toward records that may not be indexed elsewhere.
Land Records in Washington County
Land records in Washington County go back to the territorial period. The BLM General Land Office Records database includes original homestead patents and land grants for Washington County parcels. These records show who received land from the federal government and when.
Later deeds recorded at the county recorder's office track subsequent sales. Tracing land records can help confirm where an ancestor lived, how long they stayed in the area, and sometimes reveal family connections through land transfers.
Probate and Court Records
Probate records filed with the Washington County court administrator often name heirs and surviving family members directly. Wills, estate inventories, and guardianship records are all part of these files. Older probate records may be available through MHS microfilm holdings.
Court records beyond probate can also be useful. Name change petitions, guardianship cases, and civil filings sometimes contain family information not found in vital records. The court administrator's office can assist with locating older case files.
Nearby Counties
Washington County borders several Twin Cities metro counties. Ancestors who lived near county lines may have records filed in adjacent counties.
Cities in Washington County
Woodbury is the largest city in Washington County and one of the fastest-growing cities in Minnesota. Genealogy records for Woodbury residents are filed with Washington County offices in Stillwater.