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New Castle County, Delaware

County Court, Probate, Land & Tax Records  •  County Census Records
County Birth Records, Marriage Records, Divorce Records and Death Records
County Cemeteries & Graveyards  •  County Church & Bible Records

New Castle County was created on 1664 and was formed as an Original County. The County was named for the town of New Castle, Delaware. The County Seat is Wilmington.

New Castle, originally named Fort Casimir, was founded in 1651 by Peter Stuyvesant, who was sent to provide the Dutch with command of all river traffic. Because of its strategic locations, ownership of the settlement was constantly changing. The flags of the Netherlands, Sweden and Great Britain have all flown over New Castle.

The three counties which make up the state of Delaware were added to William Penn's lands in America. In 1682, Penn came ashore at New Castle and took possession, but these counties, which were well established, became dissatisfied with Penn's rule. In 1704, when he granted them a separate legislature, New Castle became the colonial capitol of Delaware. The lively town also briefly served as the first state capitol, and continued as the county seat until the 1880's.

New Castle's location made it an ideal transfer point for trips up and down the coast. As a result, New Castle was a thriving community throughout the 1700's and early 1800's. The courts and general assembly also attracted various judges, lawyers and government officials who built handsome houses, many of which still remain. The Great Fire of 1824, which started in the stables behind the Jefferson House, claimed many of the inns and warehouses located on The Strand. Among the building destroyed was the modest home of George Read, signer of the Declaration on Independence and the Constitution.

Unlike many historic communities, New Castle is a residential town where people live and work. Each house reflects the individuality of its past and present owners. Because New Castle has been named a National Landmark Historic Area, all renovations and restorations are carefully supervised. See also County History for more historical details.

Counties adjacent to New Castle County are Chester County, Pennsylvania (northwest), Delaware County, Pennsylvania (northeast), Gloucester County, New Jersey (northeast), Salem County, New Jersey (east), Kent County (south), Kent County, Maryland (southwest), Cecil County, Maryland (west).

New Castle County Cities and Towns include Delaware City, New Castle, Newark, Wilmington, Bellefonte, Clayton, Elsmere, Middletown, Newport, Odessa, Smyrna, Townsend. Villages include Arden, Ardencroft, Ardentown.

Communities and CDPs include Bear, Brookside, Claymont, Collins Park, Christiana, Edgemoor, Glasgow, Greenville, Gwinhurst, Hockessin, Holly Oak, Marshallton, Minquadale, Montchanin, North Star, Ogletown, Pike Creek, Rockland, Stanton, Wilmington Manor, Winterthur, Winterset Farms.

Hundreds include Appoquinimink, Blackbird, Brandywine, Christiana, Mill Creek, New Castle, Pencader, Red Lion, St. George's, White Clay, Wilmington.

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New Castle County Court, Probate and Tax Records

See Also Delaware Court, Land, Tax & Probate Records and Marriage Records

All Departments below are in the New Castle County Courthouse, Louis L. Redding City/County Building, 800 French Street, Wilmington, DE  19899-8811, unless otherwise noted below. The Official County website is located at http://www.co.new-castle.de.us .

NOTE: The record dates below are from the earliest date to present time. Most earlier records and many into the twentieth century have been transferred to the Delaware State Archives, although some counties have microfilms of transferred material.

New Castle County Clerk of Chancery Court has Court Records from 1682 and is located at the 211 Delaware Street, New Castle, DE 19720; Phone (302) 323-4453, fax: (302) 323-5319

New Castle County Clerk of the Peace has Marriage Records from 1829-1898 and is located at the courthouse. Phone Number: (302) 255-0300.

Functions include Witnessing County documents; attends all formal Levy Court Meetings; records all acts as custodian for the Minutes of the Levy Court Meetings; advertises and posts County ordinances; countersigns warrants drawn on County funds. Issues marriage licenses and performs marriages (civil ceremonies) in the County

New Castle County Register of Wills has Probate Records from 1742 and is located at the courthouse. Phone Number: 302) 395-7800.

The primary purpose of the Register of Wills office is to record wills and documents pertaining to estate matters in Kent County, Delaware. The office is responsible for overseeing the appointments of personal representatives and for administering estate proceedings. This office is also held accountable for making sure that the estates are in compliance with the Delaware Law. All estate matters are maintained as permanent records.

New Castle County Register of Deeds has Land Records from 1676 and is located at the courthouse. Phone Number: (302) 395-7700.

Responsible for indexing and maintaining copies of legal documents pertaining to land, mortgages, appointments, etc. Only the most recent deeds are in the office, however. Most have been transferred to the archives.

Early tax or assessment lists for the three Delaware counties are found at the Delaware State Archives and start in 1726 for Kent, 1738 for New Castle, and 1769 for Sussex. See Court, Tax & Probate Records for more information on Tax Records

There are a few online databases for Court, Land and Probate Records which include: Delaware Marriages, 1645-1899, Kent County, Delaware Probate Records, 1680-1800, New Castle County, Delaware Wills, 1682-1800 and Sussex County, Delaware Probate Records, 1680-1800.

Below is a list of online resources for New Castle County Court Records. Email us with websites containing New Castle County Court Records by clicking the link below:

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New Castle County Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records

See Also Research In Vital Records or Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records in Delaware

Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information.

The Delaware Public Archives holds Delaware Birth Certificates older than 72 years (certificates from 1934 and before) and Death and Marriage Certificates older than 40 (certificates from 1966 and before). The Office of Vital Statistics holds Delaware Birth Certificates from 1935 to the present and Death and Marriage Certificates from 1967 to the present. This means that the Delaware Public Archives only have birth certificates up through and including 1934, and marriage and death certificates up through and including 1966. To obtain vital records issued after the dates above please contact: Office of Vital Statistics, Jesse S. Cooper Building, 417 Federal St., Dover, DE  19901

Office of Vital Statistics, Jesse S. Cooper Building, 417 Federal St., Dover, DE  19901, Please allow up to approximately 3 weeks to 6 weeks for processing of all type of certificates when ordered through the mail. They have the following records:

  • Birth, Marriage & Death Certificates: The state of Delaware began issuing certificates for births on December 20, 1908. The Ohio Department of Health holds birth certificates for the state of Ohio from December 20, 1908 to the present. The Vital Statistics Office maintains statewide Death Certificates from 1954 to the present. Individual health departments in the county or city where the death took place keep certificates for their local area (not statewide).
    • Cost: $10.00 per certificate, payment is payable to the "Office of Vital Statistics”. If no record is found or no copy is made, state law requires that we keep $10.00 for a searching fee. Please do not send cash in the mail.
    • Processing Time: 3-6 weeks when ordered by MAIL or 2-5 Days when you order ELECTRONICALLY
    • By Mail Applications: Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Adoptee's Birth Certificate, Death Certificate
    • For Divorce Records the Prothonotary in the county where divorce was granted up to 1975. For divorces granted after 1975 the parties concerned should contact Family Court in county where divorce was granted.
  • Order In Person:  Same day service is available to walk-in customers. This is the fastest way to obtain a birth certificate. When you arrive, you will complete an application and pay the $10.00 required fee. Walk-in address is
    • New Castle County: Limestone Building - (302) 995-8588 - Office Hours 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM Monday through Friday except Holidays
    • Kent County: Jesse S. Cooper Building - (302) 744-4549 - Office Hours 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM Monday through Friday except Holidays
    • Sussex County: Georgetown State Service Center - (302) 856-5495 - Office Hours 8:00 AM - 4:15 PM Monday through Friday except Holidays
  • Order Online: You can also order Order Electronically Online to obtain a certified copy of a birth, marriage, death or divorce record with a credit or debit card and get the certificates within 2-5 days by ordering from VitalChek Express Certificate Service.

Below is a list of online resources for New Castle County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing New Castle County Vital Records by clicking the link below:

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New Castle County Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Census Links for Delaware

Countywide Records: Federal Population Schedules that exist for New Castle County, Delaware are 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, 1840, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930.Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your Family Tree in New Castle County, Delaware are Industry and Agriculture Schedules availible for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. The Mortality Schedules for the years 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880. There are free downloadable and printable Census forms to help with your research. These include U.S. Census Extraction Forms and U.K. Census Extraction Forms.

Below is a list of online resources for New Castle County Census Records. Email us with websites containing New Castle County Census Records by clicking the link below:

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New Castle County Genealogical Addresses

See Also Other Delaware Genealogical Addresses

Below is a list of online resources for New Castle County Genealogical Addresses. Email us with websites containing New Castle County Genealogical Addresses by clicking the link below:

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New Castle County Cemeteries & Graveyards

See Also Research In Cemetery Records or Statewide Cemetery Links for Delaware

There are many churches and cemeteries in New Castle County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the New Castle County Tombstone Transcription Project.

Below is a list of online resources for New Castle County Cemetery & Church Records. Email us with websites containing New Castle County Cemetery & Church Records by clicking the link below:

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New Castle County Church & Bible Records

See Also Research In Church Records or Statewide Church & Bible Links for Delaware

 

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New Castle County Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

 

Below is a list of online resources for New Castle County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information. Email us with websites containing New Castle County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information by clicking the link below:

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