Centennial Colorado Genealogy Records
Centennial is a relatively new city. It was incorporated in 2001. Over 108,000 people live here. The city sits entirely in Arapahoe County. It was formed from unincorporated areas. The name celebrates Colorado's statehood centennial. Genealogy research here uses Arapahoe County records.
The area was once part of the greater Littleton area. Many residents identify with that city. Records before 2001 are in Arapahoe County. The area grew rapidly in recent decades. Your ancestors may have lived here when it was unincorporated. Check Arapahoe County records for older documents.
Centennial Quick Facts
Arapahoe County Records
Centennial is entirely within Arapahoe County. The county seat is Littleton. The Clerk and Recorder office is there. They maintain marriage and land records. These are essential for genealogy research. Staff can help you search their indexes.
Arapahoe County was created in 1861. It is one of the original 17 counties. Marriage records go back to the 1860s. Land records go back to the county's founding. The Clerk and Recorder can search their database. Call before you visit to check hours.
| Office |
Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder 5334 S. Prince Street Littleton, CO 80120 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 303-795-4200 |
| Records Available | Marriage licenses, Land records, Military discharge records |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
Records Available in Centennial
Arapahoe County maintains many record types. Marriage licenses start from the 1860s. Land records go back to 1861. These can help you find family connections. Birth and death records are at the state level. Older ones may be at the State Archives.
The Colorado State Archives holds historical records. These include documents from Arapahoe County. You can search their database online. C.R.S. 24-80 guides how these records are kept. Some records are on microfilm.
- Marriage licenses from 1860s to present
- Land deeds and property records
- Military discharge records
- Court records at the District Court
- Probate records
Since Centennial was founded in 2001, older records are in Arapahoe County. Your ancestors may have lived in unincorporated Arapahoe County. Check county records for documents before that date.
Local Genealogy Resources
The Arapahoe Library District serves Centennial. They offer access to genealogy databases. You can use Ancestry Library Edition there. They also have local history materials.
The Colorado State Archives is in Denver. They hold older Arapahoe County records. You can search their database first. Then visit to view original documents. Bring a photo ID for entry.
Littleton Historical Museum is nearby. They have exhibits on area history. The museum can help with research. They focus on southern Arapahoe County.
Colorado State Resources
The Colorado State Archives holds many Arapahoe County records. These include historical documents. Births before 1908 are often found there. Deaths before 1900 may also be available. The Archives Search database lets you check online.
The CDPHE Vital Records office 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.
Other helpful resources include:
- Colorado State Archives: archives.colorado.gov
- Archives Search: Online database
- FamilySearch: familysearch.org
- VitalChek: vitalchek.com
- Colorado Historic Newspapers: coloradohistoricnewspapers.org
Nearby Cities
Centennial is near many Denver suburbs. Your ancestors may have moved between these cities. Check nearby areas for complete research.