The Library’s collections are excellent for researching the origins of African-American families in this country from before the Civil War era down to the present time. They encompass both historical and genealogical data, with the richest material information on South Carolina and our Lowcountry region. 

 Much of the African-American population in America traces its roots back to the Lowcountry. Search the catalog above for a comprehensive list of the resources available in the library.  The link below will take you to a listing of land certificates that were sold between 1863 and 1872 to the African American population of the Low Country.  The actual certificates are on microfilm and available at the Library.

Downloadable Files

Index to Land Certificates Sold to Heads of Families of the African Race, 1863-1872

• Downloadable files are only available for Premiere Members.