Notes for Researchers of Pittsylvania County Genealogy

By Henry H. Mitchell

Map of Chatham

Pittsylvania County was first settled in the mid-1700's, and many of its first generations of residents moved on to points farther west. Therefore, descendants of early families of the mid-South, Midwest, and West can often find mention of their forebears in Pittsylvania County's records.

As a result, through the years, many of our bed-and-breakfast guests came to research their family genealogy. We have currently suspended our bed-and-breakfast activity, but are offering this article in hopes of continuing to make research easier for visitors to Chatham.

Before you visit Chatham . . .

You may find it convenient to do significant research before actually visiting Chatham. The above links contain numerous distance-research possibilities. Other avenues to follow are:


This webpage is sponsored by Mitchells Publications.