Colorado Counties Genealogy Records

Colorado spans 64 counties, each holding unique records for family historians and genealogists. Early territorial records date to 1861. Statehood came in 1876. Gold rushes brought settlers from the East and Midwest. Mining camps grew into towns. Many families passed through on their way west. Some stayed to farm the plains or ranch the high country. County clerks maintain vital records under C.R.S. 25-2-117 and related statutes. Each office sets its own fees and access rules. Most records from 1900 onward remain at the county level. Older materials often sit in state or local archives. Knowing which county held your ancestors' lives is key to finding their stories.

Research in Colorado requires patience. County boundaries shifted over time. A farm might sit in three different counties across fifty years. Early birth and death records were spotty. Statewide registration did not begin until 1900. Even then, compliance took years to reach full levels. Marriage records tend to be more complete. Counties recorded these from their founding days. Land records tell their own tales. The federal government granted land to homesteaders, railroads, and soldiers. County clerks recorded these transactions in large deed books. Mining claims added another layer of complexity. Understanding these record types helps you build a fuller picture of your Colorado ancestors and their lives on the frontier.

The Colorado State Archives in Denver holds statewide indexes and many original county records. Microfilm copies of census schedules, military records, and early land grants fill their shelves. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains the central vital records registry. They issue certified copies of births and deaths from 1900 to the present. Some older records have moved to the state archives as counties ran out of space. Checking both levels of government often yields the best results for thorough research.

Start your search below. Each county page lists clerk contact details, available record types, and years of coverage. Note any gaps or special collections. Some counties have digitized early records. Others still require in-person visits. Plan ahead. Call before you travel. Small county offices may have limited hours. Staff can be very helpful when they know you are coming. Your ancestors left traces in these offices. With persistence, you can find them.

Browse Colorado Counties

Click any county name below to access genealogy resources, record availability, and contact information for that county's clerk and recorder office.

Statewide Resources for Colorado Genealogy

Beyond county offices, several state agencies maintain records useful to family historians. The Colorado State Archives houses millions of documents. Their holdings include territorial census schedules, military enlistment cards, and school records. They maintain probate files from counties that transferred older materials to state custody. Many of these records are now digitized and searchable online. The archives staff provides research assistance by phone, email, or in person. Their reading room sits in the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center in Denver. Parking is available nearby. Hours vary, so check their website before visiting.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment serves as the central vital records office. They hold birth certificates from 1900 to the present and death certificates from 1900 to the present. Access to these records follows strict rules under Colorado law. Birth certificates become public after 100 years. Death certificates become public after 75 years. Until then, only immediate family or legal representatives may obtain copies. The CDPHE charges fees for certified copies. They also offer verification letters for a lower cost. Some researchers find these sufficient for their needs.

Court records offer another rich source. District courts handle divorces, adoptions, and civil cases. County courts manage probate and some criminal matters. Older court files may have moved to the state archives or regional repositories. The Colorado Judicial Branch maintains an online docket search for recent cases. Historical case files often require in-person visits. Bring specific dates and case numbers when possible. Staff time is limited. The more details you provide, the faster they can help you locate the files you need for your research.

Tips for Researching Colorado Ancestors

• Check neighboring counties when you cannot find a record. Boundary lines moved frequently in the 1800s.
• Search for alternative spellings of surnames. Clerks often wrote names as they sounded.
• Use federal census records alongside state and county sources. They help confirm family groups and birthplaces.
• Look for homestead and land patent records at the Bureau of Land Management. These show when ancestors first claimed federal land.
• Contact local historical societies. Many hold unique collections not found in government archives.
• Review Colorado newspapers on microfilm or digital sites. Obituaries and marriage notices fill gaps in official records.
• Verify vital record information with church records. Religious organizations often recorded events before civil registration began.

Colorado genealogy offers both challenges and rewards. The state is young enough that many records survive in good condition. Yet the mobile population and sparse early settlements mean you must often search widely. County clerks remain your best first stop. They know their holdings well. They can direct you to other sources if their own files lack what you need. Be polite. Be patient. Your efforts will pay off as you piece together the story of your Colorado ancestors and their place in the history of the American West.