Denver Colorado Genealogy Records

Denver stands as Colorado's capital and largest city. It is both a city and a county combined into one government. This unique structure means all records are in one place. The city-county was founded in 1861. It became the state capital in 1881. Today over 729,000 people call Denver home. Genealogy research here can be very rewarding. Records span from the pioneer era to modern times.

The Denver Clerk and Recorder manages vital records for the entire city-county. This office holds birth and death certificates. Marriage licenses are also issued here. Records date back to 1900. Older records may be at the State Archives. The city follows Colorado law for record keeping. C.R.S. 25-2-103 guides vital records management. This ensures records are kept safe for future generations.

Denver City-County Government

Denver operates as a consolidated city-county. This means city and county functions are combined. Debra Johnson serves as the Clerk and Recorder. Her office handles all vital records. The office is in the Wellington Webb Building downtown. You can visit in person or request records by mail. Staff can help with genealogy searches. They maintain records dating back many decades.

The Clerk and Recorder keeps birth and death records. Marriage licenses are also issued here. They have records from 1900 to the present. Older records may be at the State Archives. The office can search their database for you. Bring as much detail as possible. Names, dates, and locations help narrow the search. Fees apply for certified copies of records.

Records Available in Denver

Denver maintains many record types for genealogy research. Birth records start around 1900. Death records go back to the same time. Marriage records are available from 1900 forward. Some older marriages are at the State Archives. Divorce records are kept by the court system. They are not with the Clerk and Recorder.

Land records show property ownership. These go back to the early days of Denver. They trace how the city grew. Census records are available online. Denver was counted in every federal census. Colorado became a state in 1876. The 1880 census was the first as a state. City directories list residents by year.

• Birth certificates from 1900 to present
• Death certificates from 1900 to present
• Marriage licenses from 1900 to present
• Land deeds and property records
• Probate records at the courts
• Naturalization records at the archives

Newspapers are a great resource. The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News have archives. Old issues are on microfilm. The library has many papers from across Colorado. Obituaries can be found here. They often list family members. This helps build your family tree.

Local Genealogy Resources

Several places in Denver hold genealogy records. Start with the Clerk and Recorder for vital records. The Colorado State Archives is nearby. They have older records and special collections. The Denver Public Library has a great genealogy room. Their Western History Collection is famous. Many researchers visit from across the country.

The State Archives sits at 1313 Sherman Street. This is just blocks from the State Capitol. They hold records under C.R.S. 24-80. You can search their database online first. Then visit to view original documents. Staff can help with tough searches. Bring a photo ID for entry. The archives are free to use.

The Denver Public Library Central Branch is at 10 W. 14th Avenue. Their genealogy collection spans multiple floors. They have census records, city directories, and newspapers. Computer access is available for online databases. Librarians can guide your research. The building is easy to reach by bus or light rail.

Colorado State Resources

Several state agencies can help with Denver genealogy. The Colorado State Archives is the main place for historical records. They hold documents from city-county courts and state agencies. Their website has research guides. These can help you learn how to use their collections.

The CDPHE Vital Records office has birth and death certificates from 1908 and 1900 onward. They are at 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. Call 303-692-2200. Their website is cdphe.colorado.gov/vitalrecords.

Other helpful resources include:

• Colorado State Archives: archives.colorado.gov - Historical records
• Archives Search: Online database
• FamilySearch: familysearch.org - Free genealogy records
• VitalChek: vitalchek.com - Online certificate ordering
• Colorado Historic Newspapers: coloradohistoricnewspapers.org
• Denver Public Library Western History: history.denverlibrary.org

Nearby Cities

Denver is surrounded by many cities and suburbs. Your ancestors may have lived in these areas. Records may be in these cities instead. Check nearby jurisdictions for complete family history research.