Georgia owned part of Alabama, the middle part then ceded it to the United States in 1802. Georgia added it to MS Territory in 1804. Southern Alabama was controlled by Mississippi Territory in 1798 and slowly the present counties were added. In 1850-1870 the counties in AL look pretty much as we know them today with small changes to be added later. This is the best advice I can offer as I have learned, try to get a map of the state that corresponds directly with the year you are researching. If not, your ancestors may be lost in county/state bountries. Regards, Donna