The Alabama legislature created DeKalb County on January 9, 1836, from land ceded to the Federal government by the Cherokee Nation. It was named for Major General John Baron DeKalb, a hero of the American Revolution.
DeKalb County is located in the Northeast corner of the state and is bordered on the north by Jackson County, on the west by Marshall County, on the south by Etowah and Cherokee counties, and the east by the State of Georgia.
Towns & Communities
The county seat is Fort Payne.
~ Source: Ancestor Swap Meet 2003 book, June 21, 2003, Northeast Alabama Genealogical Society.
Crossville is a small town in an area known as Sand Mountain in Northeast Alabama. It is known for its history and tradition.
Collinsville was first a settlement located in the fork of Little Wills Creek and was known as Lynchburg before it became Collinsville. The town was once the land of the Cherokees and has a rich history.
Other towns and communities include Fyffe, Mentone, and Valley Head.
DeKalb County Information at Nichols Library
Nichols Library has several books on DeKalb County, including information on cemeteries, schools, and church records. A concise but detailed history of the county from its beginning is in the Heritage of DeKalb County, Alabama. The volume includes short family histories as well as an Indian [Cherokee] Census taken in 1835. The book includes an index. The library has both volumes.
Facebook Group: If you are on Facebook, see the DeKalb County, Alabama Genealogy group. Once you JOIN the group, any updates will appear on your Facebook page.
DeKalb County Page Maintainer: Position Open.
E-mail us at neagslib@comcast.net to volunteer.
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Last updated: Thursday, March 14, 2025 10:00 PM
