Cobb Memorial Archives
Cobb Memorial Archives collects, preserves, and makes available the history of Chambers County, Alabama, and West Point, Georgia.
The archives opened in 1976 along with the H. Grady Bradshaw Chambers County Public Library and is named in the memory of George S. and Edna L. Cobb.
Among the collections available for use are the corporate records of WestPoint Pepperell (and its predecessors), church and family histories, and more than 600 collections highlighting life in east Alabama and west Georgia from the 1830s onward.
Appointments are not strictly necessary, but researchers are encouraged to contact the archives prior to visiting.
Contact the Archives
Genealogy Resources
Ancestry (Available onsite only)
This version of Ancestry is available onsite at the library only from any library computer or from your own device while logged into the library’s WiFi. Users are able to download or email documents found on Ancestry for use later.
Black Life in America (Library card required)
Comprehensive coverage of the African American experience from earliest times to today. Sourced from nearly 20,000 American and global newspapers from 1704 to the present, including over 400 African American newspapers. Provides full-text searching as well as access to content by topic, event, and eras in African American history.
Encyclopedia of Alabama
The Encyclopedia of Alabama is a free, online reference resource on Alabama’s history, culture, geography, and natural environment. It was developed by the Alabama Humanities Foundation (now Alabama Humanities Alliance) and Auburn University with generous financial support from across the state.
Fold3 (Library card required)
Fold3 provides access to military records, including stories, photos, and personal documents for service men and women.
Heritage Hub (Library card required)
The largest and most comprehensive collection of newspaper obituaries and death notices. Extensive editorial review of all newspaper sections ensures a thorough selection of obituaries for easy access. An easy-to-use interface allows searching by name, date range, or text such as institutional name, social affiliation(s), geographic location(s), philanthropic activities, etc.
NewsBank (Library card required)
Use a library card to read and search hundreds of newspapers from across the country. Use these links for quick access to:
Newspapers.com (Library card required)
Provides full image access to local historical newspapers including Chambers County News (1936-1948); The LaFayette Sun (1882-1964); The Valley Daily Times News (1916-1955); and the West Point News (1920-1950).