Colorado Springs Colorado Genealogy Records
Colorado Springs sits at the foot of Pikes Peak. It is Colorado's second largest city. Over 493,000 people live here. The city was founded in 1871. It became a resort destination early in its history. Many people came for the clean mountain air. Genealogy research here can uncover fascinating family stories. Records span from the pioneer era to modern times.
The city lies entirely within El Paso County. All vital records are maintained by the county. The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder handles these records. Marriage licenses and land records are available there. Birth and death records go through the state. The Colorado State Archives holds older records. C.R.S. 25-2-103 guides vital records management.
Colorado Springs Quick Facts
El Paso County Records
Colorado Springs is the county seat of El Paso County. The county was created in 1861. It is one of the original 17 counties. The Clerk and Recorder office is downtown. They maintain marriage and land records. These are key for genealogy research. Staff can help you search their indexes.
Marriage records in El Paso County go back many decades. Land records can show property owned by your ancestors. These records often list family members. The Clerk and Recorder follows state rules. C.R.S. 24-80 guides records management. Call before you visit to check hours and fees.
| Office |
El Paso County Clerk and Recorder 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80907 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 719-520-6202 |
| Records Available | Marriage licenses, Land records, Military discharge records |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Records Available in Colorado Springs
El Paso County maintains many record types. Marriage licenses start from the 1860s. Land records go back to the county's founding. 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 the 4th Judicial District. You can search their database online. C.R.S. 24-80 guides how these records are kept. Some records are on microfilm. Others are original documents.
- Marriage licenses from 1860s to present
- Land deeds and property records
- Military discharge records
- Court records at the District Court
- Probate records
- Naturalization records
Newspapers are a great resource. The Gazette has been published since 1872. Old issues are on microfilm. The Pikes Peak Library District has many papers. Obituaries can be found there. They often list family members. This helps build your family tree.
Local Genealogy Resources
The Pikes Peak Library District is a top resource. They have a special collection for genealogy. The Carnegie Library downtown houses it. You can find census records there. They also have city directories. Many databases are available online with a library card.
The Colorado State Archives is in Denver. They hold older El Paso County records. You can search their database first. Then visit to view original documents. Bring a photo ID for entry. The archives are free to use. Call 303-866-2358 for help.
The Pioneers Museum is in Colorado Springs. It has historical photos and documents. They focus on local history. This can add context to your family research. The museum is at 215 S. Tejon Street. Admission is free.
Colorado State Resources
The Colorado State Archives holds many El Paso 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 1908 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
- Colorado Historic Newspapers: coloradohistoricnewspapers.org
Nearby Cities
Colorado Springs is near several other cities. Your ancestors may have lived in these areas. Check nearby jurisdictions for complete research. El Paso County has many smaller towns too.