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Klickitat County, Washington
Genealogy, Facts and Records Resources

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

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Klickitat County was created on 1859 and was formed from Walla Walla County . The county was named for Klickitat Tribe . The county seat was originally Grand Dalles or Rockland Flats, now called Dallesport from 1859-1878 and in 1878 move to Goldendale.

Erastus Joslyn first settled the county in 1852. However, not until 1867 was an effective county government organized. Immediately after creation, territorial legislature spelled the county's name CLICITAT. By the next territorial legislative session, the spelling was finalized as KLICKITAT.

Klickitat County is bordered by Yakima County ( north), Benton County ( northeast), Morrow County, Oregon ( southeast), Gilliam County, Oregon ( southeast), Sherman County, Oregon ( south), Hood River County, Oregon ( southwest), Wasco County, Oregon ( southwest), Skamania County ( west).

Cities and Towns in Klickitat County include Bingen, Goldendale, White Salmon.

The Official County Government Website is located at http://www.klickitatcounty.org/ .

Below is a list of Klickitat County Genealogical and Historical Socities, Mail-List, Libraries and Archives Addresses and/or Links. See Also Washington Archives, Genealogical and Historical Societies for statewide Addresses and links.

  • State Archives Central Branch Bledsoe & Washington Archives Building, Central Washington University, 400 E. University Way, Mail Stop 7547, Ellensburg, Washington 98926-7547. Phone: 509-963-2136. Research Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon and 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Klickitat County Historical Society, 127 W Broadway, PO Box 86, Goldendale, WA 98620. Phone 509-773-4303. Society's collection includes an archives, photography collection, and history books. Operates Presby Mansion Restored Victorian home built in 1902 by the Presby family provides view of life in Goldendale between 1880 and 1930. Historical Society's collection also includes numerous historical items from the county, and a photographic and archival collection..
  • Goldendale Family History Center, Columbus & McKinley, Goldendale, WA. Phone 509-773-3824.
  • Family History Library
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Klickitat County, WA Court, Probate, Land and Tax Records

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

PLEASE READ FIRST!!! Please call the clerk's department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information. Although originally held in the county seat, many county land, probate, and court records have been transferred to the state archive's regional branches.

Even today, few people escape mention in court records at some time during their lives as witnesses, litigants, jurors, appointees to office, or as petition signatories. However, Americans of a few generations ago also expected to attend local court proceedings when they were in session. It was a civic duty and they could be fined if they did not attend. The chances are great that your ancestors have left a detailed record of at least some aspects of their lives in court records.

Unless otherwise noted, All Deparments are in the County Courthouse located at 205 S Columbus, Goldendale, WA 98620. Courthouse hours Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00 p.m.

Klickitat County Clerk of Court has Court Records from 1880 and Probate Records from 1882 . Contact the County Clerk's department at Room 204. Phone 509-773-5744. Fax 509-773-4559. For judicial purposes, many of the Washington counties were attached to other counties.

Klickitat County Auditor has Marriage Records from 1867 and Land Records from 1863 . The Couty Auditor also has Birth and Death Records from 1891 to 1907. See County Vital Records for info on Birth and Death Records after 1907. Contact the County Auditor's department at Room 203. Phone 509-773-4001. Fax 509-773-4244. Bring all information available: names, dates (within a 10 year period) are helpful. Description of property can be accessed through the Auditor's office.

Klickitat County Assessor has Tax Records. Contact the County Assessor's department at Room 200. Phone 509-773-3715. Fax 509-773-6397. Available to the public 9am to 5pm.

Below is a list of online resources for Klickitat County Court, Probate, Land or Tax Records Records EMAIL US with websites links to Klickitat County Court Records

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Klickitat County, WA Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records

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

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

Klickitat County Health Department is located at
Goldendale Office: 228 W Main St, MS-CH-14, Goldendale, WA 98620, Phone: 509 773-4565 or 1-888-291-3521
White Salmon Office: 501 NE Washington, PO BOX 159, White Salmon, WA 98672; Phone: 509 493-1558 .

  • Klickitat County Birth Records
    • For records from July 1, 1907 to present: you can order through the Center for Health Statistics.
    • For records from January 1, 1921 to present: you can order through local health departments.
    • For records before July 1, 1907 in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Spokane: contact the local health department.
    • For all other counties for records before July 1, 1907: contact the county auditor.
  • Klickitat County Marriage Records
    • For recent marriage certificates from the last 4 months: contact the county auditor where the license was filed.
    • For certificates from January 1, 1968 to four months before the present: order through the Center for Health Statistics
    • For certificates before January 1, 1968: contact the county auditor where the license was obtained.
  • Klickitat County Divorce Records
    • For recent divorce certificates from the last four months: contact the county clerk where the event was filed.
    • For certificates from January 1, 1968 to four months before the present: order through the Center for Health Statistics.
    • For certificates before January 1, 1968: contact the county clerk where the event occurred.
  • Klickitat County Death Records
    • For recent records, in the current or previous month, please contact the Local Health Department where the event occurred.
    • July 1, 1907 to 2 months before the present: order through the Center for Health Statistics.
    • For records before July 1, 1907: contact the Research Office of the Washington State Archives.

Below is a list of online resources for Klickitat County Birth, Marriage, Divorce and Death Records Records. EMAIL US with websites links to Klickitat County Vital Records

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Klickitat County, WA Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Census Records that exist for Washington

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 Klickitat County, Washington are 1870, 1880, 1890 (fragment, see below), 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930. Other Federal Schedules to look at when researching your family tree in Klickitat County 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 Klickitat County Census Records. Email us with websites containing Klickitat County Census Records by clicking the link below:

Below is a list of online resources for Klickitat County Census Records. EMAIL US with websites links to Klickitat County Census Records.

1860 Klickitat County Census Records

1870 Klickitat County Census Records

1880 Klickitat County Census Records

1890 Klickitat County Census Records (destroyed by fire at the Commerce Dept on 10 January 1921)

1900 Klickitat County Census Records

1910 Klickitat County Census Records

1920 Klickitat County Census Records

1930 Klickitat County Census Records

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Klickitat County, WA Cemeteries & Graveyards

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

Cemetery records and headstone inscriptions are also sources of birth and death information. The records of this type most commonly found are church burial registers, sextons' records, cemetery deed and plot registers, burial permit records, grave opening orders, and monument (gravestone) inscriptions.

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

Below is a list of online resources for Klickitat County Cemetery & Church Records. EMAIL US with websites links to Klickitat County Cemetery & Church Records.

The following cemeteries and churches are listed in the US Geological Survey web site as being in this County. And there are more not listed.
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Klickitat County, WA Church & Bible Records

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

For periods before the advent of civil registration of vital statistics, church records rank as the best available sources for information on specific vital events: birth, marriage, and death. Bible records is a good primary source for genealogy research and information. You will find many different surnames listed in many of these Bibles which include old photos, obituaries and other facts such as birth and death dates.

Below is a list of online resources for Klickitat County Cemetery & Church Records. EMAIL US with websites links to Klickitat County Cemetery & Church Records.

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