Mitchell was formed in 1861 from Yancey, Watauga, Caldwell, Burke and McDowell counties. It was named in honor of Dr. Elisha Mitchell, a professor at the University of North Carolina. While on an exploring expedition of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Dr. Mitchell fell and was killed. He was buried on the top of this lofty mountain. The present land area is 221.43 square miles and the 2000 population was 15,687.
The first court was ordered to be held at Eben Child's. Commissioners were named to acquire the land, establish a town by the name of Calhoun, and erect a courthouse in Calhoun. They maintained it was inconvenient to three-fourths of the citizens. They said the matter should, therefore, be referred to the Assembly. In 1862 an act was passed authorizing the people to decide by ballot for Calhoun, or for Davis as the county seat. In 1863 an act was passed which stipulated that the county seat should be located at the geographical center of the county by actual survey and measurements. In 1863 the justices met and unanimously agreed that Norman's Hill should be selected as the county seat. From 1861-1866 commissioners were appointed to acquire the land and lay out a town. At the regular September term, 1866, held at Davis, the commissioners reported that they had acquired 29 acres of land and sold the lots. In 1868 the county seat was changed from Davis to Bakersville. Bakersville was incorporated in 1870 and is the county seat.
What follows is an outline of beginning dates of extant records of each county. The beginning dates do not imply that all records are extant since some of North Carolina's county records have been lost due to fire and other causes. Find out about the Mitchell Courthouse Hours and Location
Mitchell County Clerk of Superior Court has Court Records from 1861 and Probate Records from 1823 and is located at Courthouse, PO Box 402, Bakersville, NC 28705; (828) 688-2161, fax (828) 688-2168.
Mitchell County Register of Deeds has Land Records from 1789 and Marriage Records from 1861 and is located at PO Box 82, Administrative Bldg, Bakersville NC 28705; 828-688-2139, Fax: 828-688-3666, [EMAIL].
Below is a list of online resources for Mitchell County Court Records. Email us with websites containing Mitchell County Court Records by clicking the link below:

Do not contact North Carolina Vital Records or the North Carolina State Archives, as there are no birth records prior to 1913 in a state public office. For death certificates prior to 1930, contact the North Carolina State Archives. A few delayed death records may exist back to 1909. Prior to this, there are no death records of any sort other than wills and estate settlements in the North Carolina State Archives.
COUNTY: Birth and Marriage Recordes and avalible from the Mitchell County Register of Deeds Office. Divorce Records are available from the Mitchell County Clerk of Superior Court Office. Click Here To see a list of North Carolina County Health Departments
STATE: North Carolina Vital Records is located at 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903; (919) 733-3526 (This office does not accept FAX or e-mail orders). All Fees are listed below under "Cost". They have the following records:
Ordering Vital Records - You can also order
Cost: A fee of $15 is charged for each name searched in a five-year period, regardless of the search results as per G.S. 130A-93.1. If the record is located, one certified or uncertified copy of the record will be provided at no additional cost. Additional copies of the same record, when requested at the same time, are $5 each. These fees are for a search, regardless of the results. Search fees are not refundable. Any additional request to search in 5-year increments for records outside of the original 5-year period will cost an additional $15 fee
Ordering Vital Records by Mail - Make certified checks and money orders should be made payable to "North Carolina Vital Records". Please do not send cash or checks. Fees are non refundable. Additional fees are required for expedited service. Mail all Applications to: North Carolina Vital Records, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903. You can download an application online for Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Divorce Certificates or Death Certificates.
Ordering Vital Records In Person: Individuals may visit the office on the first floor of the Cooper Memorial Health Building at 225 N. McDowell Street, Raleigh, N.C. between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, except on state government holidays. Parking is available on the north (Lane Street) side of the Cooper Building. Customers should bring a valid photo ID and non-refundable $15 search fee for each request. Copies of the same certificate are $5 if requested at the same time. You will be asked to fill out an application upon arrival or you may bring a completed one with you (see above for required forms). Walk-in requests for same day service are subject to an additional $15 expedited services fee and will usually be fulfilled in about one hour. Customers are encouraged to leave completed requests forms with us for a mailed response to avoid the extra fee for same day services.
Below is a list of online resources for Mitchell County Vital Records. Email us with websites containing Mitchell County Vital Records by clicking the link below:

Few, if any, records reveal as many details about individuals and families as do government census records. Substitute records can be used when the official census is unavailable
Countywide Records: Federal Population Schedules that exist for Mitchell County, North Carolina are 1870, 1880, 1890 (fragment, see below), 1900, 1910, 1910, 1920 and 1940. Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your family tree in Mitchell County, North Carolina are Industry and Agriculture Schedules availible for the years 1870 and 1880. The Mortality Schedules for the years 1870 and 1880.
Below is a list of online resources for Mitchell County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Mitchell County Census Records by clicking the link below:
There are a few online military record databases which include: North Carolina Volunteers, Spanish American War, North Carolina Revolutionary War Soldiers.
Below is a list of online resources for Mitchell County Military Records. Email us with websites containing Mitchell County Military Records by clicking the link below:
There are many churches and cemeteries in Mitchell County. Some transcriptions are online. A great site is the Mitchell County Tombstone Transcription Project. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has county maps the show the locations of churches and cemeteries free for viewing or download here.
Below is a list of online resources for Mitchell County Cemetery & Church Records. Email us with websites containing Mitchell County Cemetery & Church Records by clicking the link below:
Below is a list of online resources for Mitchell County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information . Email us with websites containing Mitchell County Family Trees, web forums and other family type information by clicking the link below: