Parker Colorado Genealogy Records
Parker began as a small stage stop in the 1860s. The Twenty Mile House served travelers on the Smoky Hill Trail. It became a town in 1881. The name honors the Parker family who owned the land. The area grew slowly at first. Ranching and farming were main activities. The town remained small until recent decades. Now it is a growing suburb.
Douglas County created Parker as a town. The county is one of Colorados original counties. It formed in 1861. Early settlers came for land and opportunity. Many filed homestead claims. Their records are still available today. You can trace these pioneer families. The Douglas County Archives holds many documents.
Parker Quick Facts
County Information
Parker sits in Douglas County. The county was organized on November 1, 1861. It was named for Senator Stephen A. Douglas. Castle Rock is the county seat. Douglas County was originally much larger. Parts were split off over time. Today it is one of Colorados fastest growing counties. Record keeping has always been a priority.
| County | Douglas County |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Castle Rock |
| Year Established | 1861 |
| Named For | Stephen A. Douglas |
| County Clerk Phone | 303-660-7446 |
Douglas County maintains excellent records. The County Clerk has marriage records from 1867. Land records date to 1864. These are available for research. C.R.S. 24-80 ensures public access. Birth and death records came later. Statewide registration began in 1910. Earlier events may lack documentation.
Records Available in Parker
The Parker Area Historical Society preserves local history. They maintain archives of photographs and documents. The Twenty Mile House history is documented. Stage stop records are of interest. The society meets regularly. Members are knowledgeable about local families. They can point you to resources. Contact them for assistance.
The Douglas County History Research Center is in Castle Rock. It holds extensive collections. School records show student information. Local business records reveal occupations. Family papers donated by residents help too. The center is open to the public. Staff can help with searches. Appointments are recommended.
Colorado State Archives has Douglas County records. Probate cases from 1865 to 1962 are indexed. Justice of the peace dockets cover 1871 to 1892. These show minor court cases. Old age pension records exist for 1933 to 1936. Military records include Civil War data. Naturalization records show immigrant origins. The online index is searchable by name.
Local Genealogy Resources
The Parker Library offers genealogy databases. Ancestry Library Edition is available on site. Heritage Quest can be accessed from home. The library has local history books. These cover Parker and Douglas County. Newspapers on microfilm are available. The Douglas County News is indexed.
Douglas County Libraries has multiple branches. Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch are nearby. Each has genealogy resources. The library system shares materials. You can request items from other branches. This expands your research options. Library cards are free to county residents.
Local churches kept early records. Some date to the 1860s. Presbyterians and Methodists were early denominations. Their baptism and marriage records help. Cemetery records supplement vital records. Parker Cemetery has older burials. Tombstones provide birth and death dates. Some are worn but readable.
Colorado State Resources
The Colorado State Archives is essential for research. They hold county records on microfilm. You can search their online database. Select Douglas County and record type. Available records include probate and court documents. Military records are also indexed. The staff answers research questions.
The Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection is free. It has digitized papers from across the state. Douglas County titles are included. You can search by name or keyword. This finds obituaries and news items. The collection grows regularly. Check back for new additions.
FamilySearch has Douglas County records. Their website offers free access. You must create an account. Records include census and vital data. Some collections are only at centers. The Parker Colorado FamilySearch Center may help. Check their hours before visiting.
Nearby Cities for Research
Douglas County has several historic towns. Castle Rock is the county seat. It has the courthouse and records. Castle Pines is a newer city. It shares the countys history. Larkspur is a small town south of Parker. It has its own pioneer stories. Franktown was an early settlement. The county maintains records for all.