Information on this page was compiled with help from the Duluth Preservation Alliance.
Use the County Land Explorer or Property Details Search to find the legal description of a property, and details about structures such as year built and assessed value.
Many resources are available on the second floor of the Duluth Public Library, including:
A property’s “abstract” provides a summary of legal actions attached to a specific property. It includes a list of past owners of the land and the dates of their ownership. It is a record of the land ownership only, not of the building(s) on the land. The types of transaction, dates of transaction, and names of buyers and sellers may be useful in further research, such as a search of the Duluth City Directories.
The abstract of a property may be in the possession of the home owner or the mortgage holder. Mortgage holders, such as banks, will allow homeowners to examine the abstract in their office.
Records include building permits. Not all houses will have complete information. You may find information on the first owner, the architect, builder, materials, additions to the original building, and once in a while, blueprints. Files on microfiche may be used by the public. Property address is necessary, and a legal description of the property is also helpful.
An experienced volunteer genealogist is available at the St. Louis County Courthouse on Thursdays from 10 am - 4:30 pm, and can help with land records or vital records for individuals. It is recommended you call ahead to be sure the genealogist will be available on that particular Thursday. You may request a one hour time slot in person or by phone.
Phone: 218-726-2559
Email: libarchives@d.umn.edu
Phone: (218) 726-8526
Location: Kathryn A. Martin Library
Library Annex 202 (see map)