Highlands Ranch Colorado Genealogy Records
Highlands Ranch is a large unincorporated community. Over 101,000 people live here. It is a census-designated place or CDP. The area is entirely in Douglas County. It was developed starting in 1978. It has grown into one of Colorado's largest communities. Genealogy research here uses Douglas County records.
The area was once the Highlands Ranch Mansion property. It was a working cattle ranch for over a century. The mansion still stands today. It is open for tours. The community grew rapidly in recent decades. Your ancestors may have lived here when it was ranch land.
Highlands Ranch Quick Facts
Douglas County Records
Highlands Ranch is entirely within Douglas County. The county seat is Castle Rock. 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.
Douglas 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 |
Douglas County Clerk and Recorder 125 Stephens Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 303-660-7469 |
| Records Available | Marriage licenses, Land records, Military discharge records |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Records Available in Highlands Ranch
Douglas 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 Douglas 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 Highlands Ranch was developed in 1978, older records are in Douglas County. Your ancestors may have lived on the ranch or nearby. Check county records for documents before that date.
Local Genealogy Resources
The Highlands Ranch Library is part of Douglas County Libraries. 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 Douglas County records. You can search their database first. Then visit to view original documents. Bring a photo ID for entry.
The Highlands Ranch Mansion offers tours. It tells the story of the ranch. The mansion can provide historical context. This helps with family history research.
Colorado State Resources
The Colorado State Archives holds many Douglas 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
Highlands Ranch is near several other cities. Your ancestors may have lived in these areas. Check nearby jurisdictions for complete research.