Aurora Colorado Genealogy Records

Aurora is Colorado's third largest city. Over 403,000 people live here. The city spreads across three counties. This makes genealogy research unique. Records may be in Arapahoe, Adams, or Douglas counties. The city was founded in 1891. It grew rapidly after World War II. Today it is a diverse community. Genealogy research here requires checking multiple counties.

Most of Aurora sits in Arapahoe County. This includes the original downtown area. The Adams County portion is in the north. Douglas County has a small section in the south. You must know which county your ancestors lived in. This determines where to search for records. Each county has its own Clerk and Recorder.

County Records for Aurora

Finding records in Aurora requires checking multiple counties. The majority of the city is in Arapahoe County. This includes most of the historic areas. The Adams County portion covers northern Aurora. Douglas County has a small part in the southeast. You need to know the address to find the right county.

For Arapahoe County portions, contact their Clerk and Recorder. They are in Littleton. For Adams County portions, contact their office in Brighton. Douglas County portions use the office in Castle Rock. Each office maintains marriage and land records. Birth and death records go through the state.

Records Available for Aurora

Marriage records for Aurora are in the county of the ceremony. If married in Arapahoe County, records are in Littleton. Adams County marriages are in Brighton. Land records follow the same rule. Property records are in the county where the land sits. This is why location matters so much.

The Colorado State Archives holds older records. They have documents from all three counties. You can search their database online. C.R.S. 24-80 guides records management. Birth and death records are at CDPHE. Older ones may be at the archives.

• Marriage licenses by county of ceremony
• Land records in county of property
• Court records at appropriate district court
• Probate records by county
• Census records for all areas

Newspapers can help find which county to search. The Aurora Sentinel has published since 1908. Old issues are on microfilm. The library has access to historical papers. Obituaries often list addresses. This helps determine the correct county.

Local Genealogy Resources

The Aurora Public Library has genealogy resources. They offer access to online databases. You can use Ancestry Library Edition there. They also have local history materials. The library is a good starting point. Staff can help direct you to the right county.

The Colorado State Archives is in Denver. They hold historical records from all three counties. You can search their database first. Then visit to view original documents. Bring a photo ID for entry. The archives are free to use.

Arapahoe County has a heritage center. They have historical documents and photos. The center is in Littleton. It can help with family history research. They focus on the county's history. This includes the Aurora area.

Colorado State Resources

The Colorado State Archives is essential for Aurora research. They have records from Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties. Births before 1908 may be found there. Deaths before 1900 are also held there. The Archives Search database is free to use.

CDPHE Vital Records has certificates from 1900 onward. They are at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver. Call 303-692-2200. Under C.R.S. 25-2-117, some records are confidential. Birth certificates are private for 100 years. Death certificates are private for 75 years.

Other helpful resources include:

• Colorado State Archives: archives.colorado.gov
• Archives Search: Online database
• FamilySearch: familysearch.org
• VitalChek: vitalchek.com

Nearby Cities

Aurora is near many Denver suburbs. Your ancestors may have moved between these cities. Records may be in neighboring jurisdictions. Check nearby areas for complete research.