Charles City County (Va.)

Charles Cittie (sic) was one of four "boroughs" or "incorporations" created by the Virginia Company in 1619. It was named for Prince Charles, second son of King James I of England, who became the Duke of Wales and heir apparent after the death of his older brother Henry in 1612. He later became King Charles I of England after his father's death. The Virginia Company lost its charter in 1624 under King James I, and Virginia became a royal colony. Charles City Shire was formed in 1634 in the Virginia Colony by order of the King. Its name was changed to Charles City County in 1643, and it is considered one the five original shires in Virginia which are still extant in essentially the same political entity (county) as they were originally formed in 1634.

From the guide to the Charles City County (VA) Record Book Page, ca. 1689-1691, (John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

Charles City County was one of the original shires of Virginia and was established in 1634.

Records have been destroyed at various times. The most damage occurred during the Civil War when the records were strewn through the woods in a rainstorm. A few pre-Civil War volumes such as deed books, will books, minute books, and order books exist.

An act passed by the Virginia legislature in 1803 required every free negro or mulatto to be registered and numbered in a book to be kept by the county clerk. The register listed the age, name, color, stature, marks or scars, in what court the person was emancipated or whether the person was born free. Additionally, this volume contains parental names for some of the entries. Some clerks recorded additional information not required by the law.

From the guide to the A Guide to the Charles City County (Va.) Free Negro Register, 1835-1864, (Library of Virginia)