Join the Treasure Hunt
With more than 6 million documents online, and countless more held by state and local institutions, the treasure hunting possibilities are endless! Here are a few of our favorite collections at the Missouri State Archives. For more, visit www.MissouriDigitalHeritage.com to search collections from more than 50 institutions or visit one of the many historical records repositories 
in the state.
Family History
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Death Certificates
Even first–time document detectives can roll up their sleeves and dig into the more than 2.2 million death certificates spanning from 1910 to 1960. If your family is from Missouri, you may be surprised what you discover! The database provides more information than just names and dates. Death certificates often list marital status, occupation, residence, place and date of birth, and countless other clues that help tell the tale of those who came before. |
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Naturalization Records
Delve into a collection of naturalization records spanning from 1816 – 1955. These records play an important role in understanding the history of immigration in Missouri. Naturalization is the process by which a person who immigrates to the United States becomes an American citizen. Coming from many nations and traditions, these immigrants strengthened and enriched our state’s culture and helped to shape Missouri life. |
Missouri History
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Judicial Records
Order in the Court! Judicial records tell the story of individuals and businesses throughout Missouri history. Covering pivotal periods like statehood and the Civil War, these cases include criminal trials, wills and lawsuits. Details hidden in the records give a glimpse of everyday life: horse speeding tickets, buggy accidents, and the price of a good ’ole feather bed. These files, which date from the late 18th to the early 20th century, include cases from local county courts all the way to the Supreme Court of Missouri. |
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Photo Collections
Photo buffs and genealogists alike will dig clipping through our impressive photo collections for snapshots of Missouri’s picture perfect past. Take a peek at thousands of carefully compiled photographs and maps from the Missouri State Archives, the Missouri State Library and more than 50 institutions from across the state, and see what develops. |
Civil War History
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Soldiers Database
Spend some time scouring the Soldiers Database, made up of more than 1.5 million pages that document the service of Missourians in both domestic and foreign wars between 1812 and World War I. These military records consist of individual service cards, muster rolls, special orders, reports and more. Over 380,000 of these records are from the Civil War. As the nation commemorates its sesquicentennial, travel back in time to learn more about the Missourians who served in the conflict. |
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Provost Marshal Records
During the Civil War and Reconstruction, provost marshals arrested deserters, spies and disloyal civilians; investigated thefts involving military property or personnel; controlled access to military zones and transportation; and maintained records of prisoners, paroles and loyalty oaths. These documents include correspondence, court papers, orders, passes, paroles, transportation permits, and war claims. |
