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Arizona has only been a state since 1912 - quite new as states go, but
the mid 1800's brought people to the desert and some records exist from that
time. Mormon pioneers settled the eastern part of the state establishing
colonies, founding Mesa and establishing settlements into Mexico. The many
mining claims and of course the railroad also brought people. The state was
already populated with Indians and citizens of Mexico, not a surprise since
Arizona was once part of Mexico. While many of the tiny towns that grew up
around the mining industry have disappeared maps, newspapers, and
territorial as well as Federal Censuses do exist.
Though I no longer live in Arizona I have lots of connections with
Genealogists who live there and can help you find Arizona resources
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Arizona Vital Statistics are available online at
http://genealogy.az.gov/index.htm. This site has Arizona births that
occurred at least 75 years ago, and Arizona deaths that occurred at least
50 years ago. You can search by county and see the actual certificate,
even print it if you like.
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Sharlot Hall Museum is located in Prescott and if you visit has a
great reading room. Materials can't be checked out so you need to search
on site except for a number of records that are on line at
http://sharlot.org/archives/gene/index.html If you are searching for
someone from around 1870 forward you should check out this site.
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Arizona State Archives is located in downtown Phoenix but they have a
website at http://www.lib.az.us/
You can search their holdings online. They also have a wonderful
collection of old maps, and documents and the largest collection of
Arizona newspapers on microfiche. Of special interest is their large
collection of Immigration records.
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LDS Family History Center in Mesa is a Regional Center. If you are
visiting the State it is located at
41 South Hobson Mesa, AZ 85204-1021 Phone: 480-964-1200 Hours: M-Sat
9am-5pm; T-F 9am-9pm. For other Family History Centers in the State check
on www.familysearch.org
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Sedona Arizona - a destination point for many who visit the state -
has a genealogy club that maintains a website at
http://www.rootsweb.com/~azsgc/
it features among other things Sedona obituaries from 1963 - 2000.
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Prescott Public Library has a genealogy room. While many of its
resources cannot be checked out it is a great place to spend time, and
research. The online catalogue can be searched at
http://www.prescottlib.lib.az.us/ .
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Not available online but Mesa LDS Family History Center is a jewel. It
is more than your average family history center, it is a regional center. You may view their
webpage at www.mesarfhc.org/ which
also lists free classes that are available daily as well as their new holdings. If you live in Arizona or spend the
winters here you should make a visit
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