Commerce City Colorado Genealogy Records

Commerce City began as a series of small towns. Derby was laid out as a town in 1889. Adams City followed in 1903. These settlements eventually merged into one community. The city incorporated in 1952 as Commerce Town. It became Commerce City in 1962. Today it sits in northern Adams County. The area has a rich agricultural and industrial history.

Early residents worked in agriculture and railroads. The Burlington Railroad brought growth to Derby. Later the Rocky Mountain Arsenal brought industry. Many workers settled in the area permanently. Their descendants still call Commerce City home. Records of these families are scattered. Adams County offices hold many documents. State archives preserve others.

County Information

Commerce City lies within Adams County. The county was created on November 15, 1902. It was named for Governor Alva Adams. Brighton serves as the county seat. However, many records are available in Commerce City too. The county clerk keeps marriage records from 1902. Land records go back to that year as well. School census records exist from 1902 to 1964.

Adams County was formed from parts of Arapahoe County. Some records before 1902 may be there. The county annexed part of Denver County in 1909. This changed some record locations. Researching Commerce City families requires checking multiple offices. C.R.S. 24-80 governs where records are kept. The county must maintain them properly. Access is available to the public.

Records Available in Commerce City

The Commerce City area has several historic cemeteries. Riverside Cemetery dates to 1876. It sits in the southwest corner of the city. Rose Hill Cemetery began in 1892. These burial grounds hold many early settlers. Gravestones can provide birth and death dates. Family plots show relationships between members. Photographing stones preserves this information.

School records help track families over time. Adams County School District 14 formed in 1946. Earlier schools existed in the area. One-room schoolhouses served rural students. Records may show student names and ages. Parents names are often listed too. The district office may have old files. Some records went to the county.

Colorado State Archives holds Adams County records. Their index includes divorces from 1904 to 1913. Wills from 1903 to 1938 are searchable. Teacher records from 1913 to 1935 exist. Old age pension applications cover 1933 to 1936. These records help build family stories. They show how ancestors lived. The archives are valuable for research.

Local Genealogy Resources

Ancestral Trails Historical Society serves the area. They focus on Adams County history. The group meets regularly in Brighton. Members share research tips and resources. They may help with local lookups. The society has a small library. Contact them for meeting times.

The Adams County Historical Museum is in Brighton. It displays artifacts from the countys past. Exhibits cover agriculture and industry. Educational programs run throughout the year. Staff can answer local history questions. They may know where specific records are kept. The museum is worth a visit.

Commerce City Public Library offers research help. They provide computer access to databases. Ancestry Library Edition is available. Heritage Quest can be used remotely. Library cards are free to residents. Staff can guide beginners. They offer classes on genealogy basics. Call to check the schedule.

Colorado State Resources

The Colorado Department of Public Health handles vital records. Birth and death certificates can be ordered. Marriage and divorce records are available too. Current records require proof of relationship. Historic records are more accessible. C.R.S. 25-2-117 sets the rules. The CDPHE website has request forms. You can also call 303-692-2200.

VitalChek provides online ordering. They work with Colorado vital records. There is an extra service fee. Processing takes several weeks. Expedited service costs more. This option is convenient for distant researchers. You avoid a trip to Denver.

The Denver Public Library Western History collection is extensive. It covers all of Colorado. You can search their catalogs online. Many resources require an in-person visit. Some digitized items are freely available. Their website is history.denverlibrary.org. It is a major research hub.

Nearby Cities for Research

Adams County has many communities to research. Brighton is the county seat. It has the main courthouse. Thornton is a large neighboring city. Westminster spans Adams and Jefferson counties. Northglenn sits nearby too. Each has its own history. Records for these areas are at the same county offices.