- Ancestry.com – If you could access only ONE online records database, it should be Ancestry.com. The “mother lode” of genealogical and historical information, Ancestry.com is constantly adding new content. You can find everything from all available US census images, military records, old newspapers, and much more. Ancestry offers a FREE 14 day trial.
- Fold3.com – Formerly Footnote.com, fold3 was acquired by Ancestry.com, who changed the name to reflect the site’s focus on military records, which are extensive. Of special note to Southern family researchers are records related to the “War Between the States,” such as Confederate service and pension records, and Southern Claims Commission files. Fold3 offers a FREE 7 day trial.
- GenealogyBank – One of the most exhaustive online sources of historic newspapers. You can view other historical documents as well – but the newspaper images alone are worth the cost.
