Pulaski County Kentucky Genealogy Research
Pulaski County is Kentucky's third largest county by land area. It spans 658.41 square miles of southern Kentucky terrain. The county seat is Somerset. Named for Count Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who died fighting for America in 1779. The county was established in 1798. Today, about 64,000 people call Pulaski County home. The 2020 census counted 64,904 residents. Genealogy research here reveals rich family histories. The Lake Cumberland area attracted settlers. Their descendants remain in the region. Pulaski County genealogy offers diverse resources for family historians.
Pulaski County Quick Facts
Pulaski County Clerk Genealogy Records
The Pulaski County Clerk maintains official records for genealogy research. The office is in downtown Somerset. Staff preserve documents dating to 1798. These records are essential for family history work. Pulaski County genealogy depends on these official sources.
Marriage records are a key resource. Pulaski County marriage bonds begin in the late 1700s. Licenses document unions across two centuries. The records name brides and grooms. Bondsman names appear too. This helps identify extended family. Land records trace property through generations. Deeds show when families bought and sold land. They name spouses and heirs. Wills reveal family relationships. They name children and grandchildren.
| Office | Pulaski County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
100 North Main Street Somerset, KY 42501 |
| Phone | (606) 679-2042 |
| Website | pulaskicountyclerk.com |
Contact the Clerk's office before visiting. Some records need advance preparation. Staff can guide you to the right resources. Plan your Pulaski County genealogy research trip carefully.
Pulaski County Historical Society Genealogy
The Pulaski County Historical Society preserves local heritage. They maintain archives for genealogy research. Their collections include family histories. They have photographs and documents. These materials enrich Pulaski County family history work.
The Historical Society works to save local records. They publish county histories. These books contain genealogy gems. Old newspaper articles tell family stories. Cemetery transcriptions help find ancestor graves. The society welcomes researchers. Members share local knowledge. They can guide you to hidden resources.
Consider joining the society. Membership supports their work. It also connects you with other researchers. You may find distant cousins. They may share your Pulaski County ancestry. Collaboration strengthens genealogy research.
Lake Cumberland and Pulaski County Genealogy
Lake Cumberland transformed Pulaski County. The lake was created in the 1950s. Wolf Creek Dam blocked the Cumberland River. This created one of the largest artificial lakes in America. The project displaced families. It changed the local economy. It affected genealogy records too.
Before the lake, the river valley held farms and homes. Families lived there for generations. The government bought their land. Some moved to higher ground. Others left the area. Cemetery relocations occurred. Some burial grounds were moved. Records of these moves exist. Check for cemetery relocation documents.
The lake brought new people to Pulaski County. Tourism created jobs. Resorts and marinas opened. Retirees built lake homes. This changed the county's character. Modern Pulaski County blends old families with newcomers. Genealogy research reflects this diversity.
Pulaski County Genealogy Research Tips
Pulaski County's size affects genealogy research. The county is large. It borders several other counties. Families moved within the county. They also crossed into neighboring areas. Check all adjacent counties for complete records.
Steps for successful Pulaski County research:
- Start with census records 1800-1950
- Check marriage bonds and licenses from 1798
- Review land deeds for property movements
- Search cemetery records for burial locations
- Explore court records for family disputes
- Contact the Historical Society for local knowledge
The large county area means records are spread out. Some communities had their own post offices. They had local schools and churches. These created separate records. Search for community-specific sources.
Online Pulaski County Genealogy Resources
Digital tools help with Pulaski County genealogy. FamilySearch has many records. You can search from home. Some records are indexed. Others require browsing. Both methods yield results.
Ancestry.com offers census records. They have military collections too. Fold3 specializes in military files. These help with Revolutionary and Civil War ancestors. Kentucky Digital Library has newspapers. Local papers covered Pulaski County events.
County government websites provide current information. The Pulaski County Clerk's site lists services. It may have some online records. Check regularly for new digital collections.
Cities in Pulaski County
Pulaski County includes several incorporated cities. Somerset is the largest and serves as county seat. Other towns have their own histories. Your research may span multiple communities.
Unincorporated communities include Nancy, Shopville, and Greenwood. All share Pulaski County genealogy resources. Check records for all areas where your ancestors lived.
Nearby Counties for Genealogy Research
Pulaski County borders several other counties. The large land area touches many jurisdictions. Families moved across these lines. Expand your search to neighboring areas.