What Is Online in the National Archives Archival Databases

I had never used the U.S. National Archives databases until a couple of years ago when I started using the Numident Files, which are a fantastic resource. I have discovered a wealth of documents, indexes, and a search capability that you can get lost in!

Make sure that you take a look at all the Resource Topics that have been created. They list online descriptions, indexes, browsable databases, and databases that you can search. There is an overwhelming amount of pertinent information for researchers.

African-American Research
Aliens
Bankruptcy Case Files
Census Records (1790-1940)
Chinese Immigration
Congressional Records: Private Claims and Private Legislation
Court Records
Electronic Records for Genealogy or Other Personal Research
Ethnic Heritage Research and Resources
Exploration and American Expansion
Federal Employees
Immigration Records
Income Tax Records of the Civil War Years
Internal Migration
Japanese Americans
Land Records
Maps of interest to Genealogists
Maritime
Microfilmed Records
Military Records
Native American Records
Naturalization Records
Naval Records
Passenger Lists
Passport Applications
Post Office Records
Pre-Federal Records
Prisons
Social Security Records
State Department Records of Genealogical Interest
Tax Records
Vital Records
Women

I would also recommend that you read the National Archives Catalog Guide for Genealogists and Family Historians

You will find many databases above, in the list of Resource Topics. There is an important page that you should then peruse. It is Access to Archival Databases. Several links help you to find online databases and indexes. I will repeat the links here:

Genealogy/ Personal History

Indexes to:

Private Sector

Places

Wars/ International Relations

Government Spending

Time Spans