ILLINOIS STATE LIBRARY

Genealogical Resources

The Illinois State Library's collections include many resources which are of interest to genealogists. Although the library staff cannot respond to research requests from individuals for genealogical assistance and research, most materials in the circulating collection are available for interlibrary loan to local libraries nationwide.

Genealogists are also welcome to visit the library to conduct research in these materials independently during normal library hours, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except state holidays).

Below is a selected list of significant resources available at the State Library which are popular in genealogical research.

Census Records

• Illinois Territory and Early Statehood Census Schedules - 1810, 1818, 1820
• Federal Census Schedules for Illinois - 1830 through 1880; 1900 through 1930
• Federal Soundex & Miracode Index Films - 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920
• Name Index To Early Illinois Records (Includes Census Indexing 1810-1850)
• Illinois State Census Schedules - 1855, 1865

Military Records

• Report of the Adjutant General of Illinois (Black Hawk, Mexican, Civil Wars)
• Index to Reports of the Illinois Adjutant General (arranged by surname)
• Illinois Civil War Muster Rolls
• Illinois Veterans Commission Honor Roll (arranged by county)
• Soldiers Burial Places in the State of Illinois 1774-1898
• Revolutionary War Pension & Bounty Land Warrant Application Files
• Civil War Unit Histories, Part 4, The Union-Midwestern & Western States

County Histories & Atlases

The State Library has well over 500 different Illinois counties histories and over 300 historical county atlases, with an additional 800 plat books representative of the 102 counties. Due to condition and scarcity, some of these titles are not available for loan. County and Regional Histories and Atlases of the Old Northwest are also available.

Geography & History

• Historic Topographic Map Series of Germany & Austria-Hungary (Circa 1860)
• U.S. Board of Geographic Names Gazetteers, Europe & Other Nations
• Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, Illinois
• Federal Township Plats of Illinois, 1804-1891 & Field Notes
• Draper Manuscripts

Internet Resources

Genealogy has now found the perfect forum in which to thrive. The new first rule in Genealogy now is to "Check the Internet First." The State Library has seven public terminals where patrons can access the Internet, as well as a Wi-Fi connection for wireless users.

Generally, most of the above resources are in microfilm or microfiche format and are available for interlibrary loan to libraries. Genealogists are encouraged to contact their local libraries to initiate requests for interlibrary loan service. Genealogists are further encouraged to contact the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the Illinois State Archives, and the Sangamon Valley Collection at Springfield's Lincoln Library for additional information about other genealogy collections and services available in Springfield.