Louisiana Introduction

United States   Louisiana    Introduction  This set of Wiki pages describes major sources of information about families from Louisiana. As you read this outline, study the United States set of Wiki pages, which will help you understand terminology and the contents and uses of genealogical records.

Records of the FamilySearch Library
The FamilySearch Library has many of the records described in these Louisiana Wiki pages. The library's major holdings of Louisiana records include census, cemetery, land, probate, and vital records. The library has a large collection of notarial records and naturalization papers from the Parish of Orleans and passenger lists of New Orleans. It is continually acquiring additional records.

Some of the sources described in this set of Wiki pages list the FamilySearch Library's book, microfilm, and microfiche. These are preceded by FHL, the abbreviation for FamilySearch Library. You can use these numbers to locate materials in the library.

FamilySearch Catalog
The library's records are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog found at the library and at each Family History Center. The catalog is available in a online or microfiche version. To find a record, look in the Place Search of the catalog for:


 * The place where your ancestor lived, such as:
 * UNITED STATES - CENSUS
 * LOUISIANA - COURT RECORDS
 * LOUISIANA, ORLEANS - VITAL RECORDS
 * LOUISIANA, ORLEANS, NEW ORLEANS - CEMETERIES


 * The record type you want to search, such as:
 * UNITED STATES - CENSUS
 * LOUISIANA - COURT RECORDS
 * LOUISIANA, ORLEANS - VITAL RECORDS
 * LOUISIANA, ORLEANS, NEW ORLEANS - CEMETERIES

The page titles in the Louisiana Wiki pages match the names of record types used in the catalog.