Independent cities* — research method note
This method note covers independent cities* for Virginia genealogy.
Core rule
Fix the event year first, then the jurisdiction that held the courthouse (or independent city* office) that year. Modern maps and place-names often mislead.
Free-first stack
- Library of Virginia
- Virginia Chronicle / Chronicling America
- FamilySearch catalog and wiki
- This site’s hubs, guides, and directory
Session checklist
- Write the person, year, and place exactly as the source states it.
- Confirm parent/daughter county or city* boundaries for that year.
- Abstract every name in land, probate, and tax evidence (FAN club).
- Search newspapers and churches when civil vitals are thin.
- Log negative searches before moving to paid databases.
Related: Start here · Census methodology · Burned counties · Independent cities*.