FORSYTH COUNTY, NC HISTORY AND LOOKUP
County History Books
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Forsyth County, North Carolina: A Genealogical Overview
Forsyth County stands as a unique crossroads in North Carolina’s history, defined by the convergence of two distinct settlement patterns: the planned, theocratic Moravian communities of the 18th century and the dynamic, industry-driven American capitalism of the 19th and 20th centuries. Centered around the dual city of Winston-Salem, the county’s story is one of profound faith, meticulous record-keeping, and explosive industrial growth fueled by tobacco and textiles. For genealogists, Forsyth offers an exceptionally rich and well-documented history, particularly for those tracing ancestors back to the pre-Revolutionary Moravian settlement of Wachovia.
I. County Formation and Evolution
Forsyth County was created in the mid-19th century from a parent county that was itself created from an earlier one, requiring researchers to trace a clear path back through several jurisdictions for colonial-era records.
- 1849: County Formed: Forsyth County was officially established on January 16, 1849.
- Parent County: It was formed from the southern portion of Stokes County. For the period between 1789 and 1849, all records must be sought in Stokes County. Prior to 1789, the area was part of Surry County, and before 1771, it was part of the vast Rowan County. The research trail for early non-Moravian settlers is: Forsyth (post-1849) → Stokes (1789-1849) → Surry (1771-1789) → Rowan (pre-1771).
- Subsequent Formations: The county’s boundaries have remained stable since its creation.
- Name Origin: The county was named in honor of Colonel Benjamin Forsyth, a Stokes County native and decorated hero who was killed in action during the War of 1812.
- County Seat History: When the county was formed, the established Moravian town of Salem declined to serve as the seat of government. Consequently, a new town named Winston was platted and established immediately to the north in 1849 to serve as the county seat. The two towns grew alongside each other for decades until they officially merged in 1913 to become the modern city of Winston-Salem, which has been the county seat ever since.
II. Settlement and Early History
- Early Inhabitants: The region was the hunting ground of several Siouan-speaking peoples, including the Saura (Cheraw).
- The Moravian Settlement of Wachovia: The county’s defining history began in 1753 when the Moravian Church purchased nearly 100,000 acres from Lord Granville, which they named the Wachovia Tract. This was a planned colonization effort. They established the settlement of Bethabara in 1753 as an initial base, followed by Bethania in 1759.
- Founding of Salem: In 1766, the Moravians began building Salem as the central administrative, trade, and spiritual center of their community. Salem was a theocracy governed by the church, which controlled all land, commerce, and daily life. The Moravians were known for their skilled craftsmanship, community-focused living, and exceptionally detailed record-keeping.
- Rise of Winston and Industrialization: The secular town of Winston grew rapidly after the Civil War. In 1875, R.J. Reynolds founded his tobacco company there, and families like Hanes established massive textile and hosiery operations. This industrial boom transformed Winston into a major hub of finance and manufacturing, attracting thousands of workers and creating a stark contrast to the quiet, religious town of Salem. The arrival of the railroad in Winston was a key catalyst for this growth.
III. Genealogical Records and Resources
Forsyth County offers a wealth of resources, including the unique and invaluable records kept by the Moravian Church.
- The Moravian Archives: For anyone with Moravian ancestry, this is the single most important repository in the country. Located in Winston-Salem, the archives hold the meticulous church records of the Wachovia settlement dating to 1753. These include church registers of births, baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and deaths, as well as detailed community diaries, maps, and personal memoirs (
Lebensläufe), which often provide rich biographical detail unavailable anywhere else. - County Courthouse: The Forsyth County Government Center, 201 N. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, holds the civil records from 1849 forward.
- Register of Deeds: This office has all land records, marriage licenses (from 1849), and official birth and death records.
- Clerk of Superior Court: This office is the repository for probate records (wills, estate files) and court dockets (civil and criminal cases) from 1849.
- Vital Records:
- Birth and Death Records: Statewide registration began in 1913. The Register of Deeds holds these records locally. The City of Winston-Salem began keeping some records as early as 1903. For any period before this, Moravian church records are the primary source for that population, while wills and Bible records are key for others.
- Marriage Records: Marriage licenses from 1849 to the present are at the Register of Deeds. For earlier marriages, consult Stokes County records and Moravian church registers.
- Libraries and Societies:
- Forsyth County Public Library: The central branch in Winston-Salem has a well-regarded North Carolina Collection, which is the premier public resource for local history and genealogy. It includes city directories, newspapers on microfilm, maps, and an extensive collection of published family histories.
- Old Salem Museums & Gardens: A living history museum that masterfully recreates Moravian life in Salem, providing essential context for understanding ancestral occupations, customs, and daily routines.
- Forsyth County Genealogical Society: An active group for local researchers.
- Bordering Jurisdictions:
- Stokes County (north)
- Rockingham County (northeast)
- Guilford County (east)
- Davidson County (south)
- Davie County (southwest)
- Yadkin County (west)