Lakewood Colorado Genealogy Records
Lakewood is a major suburb west of Denver. Over 156,000 people live here. The city was incorporated in 1969. It is now the fifth largest city in Colorado. Lakewood sits entirely in Jefferson County. All records are maintained by the county. The city has a rich history. Many families have lived here for generations.
The area was once ranch land and farms. The Jewish Consumptives Relief Society was here. This brought many people to the area for health reasons. The city grew rapidly after World War II. Housing developments replaced the open land. Genealogy research here connects to Jefferson County records.
Lakewood Quick Facts
Jefferson County Records
Lakewood is entirely within Jefferson County. The county seat is Golden. The Clerk and Recorder office maintains records there. They handle marriage licenses and land records. These are essential for genealogy research. Staff can help you search their indexes.
The Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder is in Golden. They have marriage records from the 1860s. Land records go back to the county's founding. The office follows state rules. C.R.S. 24-80 guides records management. Call before you visit to check hours.
| Office |
Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder 100 Jefferson County Parkway Golden, CO 80419 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 303-271-8168 |
| Records Available | Marriage licenses, Land records, Military discharge records |
| Library | Jefferson County Library: 303-235-5275 |
Records Available in Lakewood
Jefferson 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 Jefferson County. 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
The Lakewood Historical Society preserves local history. They have photos and documents. These tell the story of the city's growth. The Heritage Center at Belmar has exhibits. This can add context to your family research.
Local Genealogy Resources
The Jefferson County Public Library is excellent. They have a great genealogy collection. The Lakewood branch offers many resources. You can access Ancestry Library Edition there. They also have local history materials. Call 303-235-5275 for help.
The Colorado State Archives is in Denver. They hold older Jefferson 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.
The Golden History Museum is nearby. They have exhibits on county history. The museum can help with research. They focus on the western suburbs. This includes the Lakewood area.
Colorado State Resources
The Colorado State Archives holds many Jefferson 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. Birth certificates are private for 100 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
Lakewood is near many Denver suburbs. Your ancestors may have lived in these areas. Check nearby jurisdictions for complete research.