Alamosa County Genealogy Records

Alamosa County sits in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. The area holds rich history. Families have lived here for many generations. Spanish settlers came first. Then came farmers and ranchers. Today researchers come to find their roots. The county offers many records. These help trace family lines through time.

Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder

The Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder keeps many vital records. Mari Felix serves in this role. The office handles elections too. But for genealogy, focus on their records division. They file marriages. They record land deeds. These papers help family historians. The staff knows the archives well. They can guide your search.

The office sits in the county government complex. It is easy to find. Parking is free. Call before you visit. Staff can tell you what to bring. Some records need advance notice. Old files may be in storage. Plan for extra time if you need very old documents.

Where to Find Genealogy Records in Alamosa County

Finding records takes some work. Start with the Clerk and Recorder. They have land and marriage files. These go back to 1913. Some records may predate the county. Check Costilla and Conejos counties for older papers. Alamosa was formed from parts of these.

The Colorado State Archives under C.R.S. 24-80 holds state-level records. They have birth and death records. These date back many decades. Their Denver location is open to the public. Staff can help you search. They know the collections well.

Key places to search:

• Alamosa County Clerk and Recorder for local records
• Colorado State Archives for vital records
• CDPHE for certified birth and death certificates
• Adams State University library for local history
• San Luis Valley Historical Society

Online Databases and Resources

You can start your search online. Many resources exist. Some are free. Others charge fees. The state offers several databases. These cover all counties. You can search from home. This saves time before you visit in person.

FamilySearch has Colorado collections. They include some Alamosa records. You must create a free account. Then you can search millions of records. The Archives Search Database is another tool. It lists what the state archives holds. You can search by name or topic.

Useful online resources:

• Colorado State Archives - Main archives site
• Archives Search Database - Find state records
• FamilySearch - Free family history
• CDPHE Vital Records - State vital records
• VitalChek - Order certificates

Records Available in Alamosa County

Many record types exist. Each has value. Birth records show parent names. Death records give burial info. Marriage records prove unions. Land records show property. Probate records list heirs. Court records may have family disputes. All help build your tree.

Colorado law protects some records. C.R.S. 25-2-117 keeps birth records private for 100 years. Death records close for 75 years. After that, they are public. Marriage records are public once filed. Land records have always been open. Court records vary by type and age.

Fees for Records in Alamosa County

Expect to pay for copies. Fees vary by office. The county may charge per page. The state has set rates. Know costs before you go. Bring payment in the right form.

The CDPHE charges standard fees. Birth certificates cost $20. Death certificates are $13 for the first copy. Each extra copy costs less. The county may have different rates. Call to check. Some offices take cash only. Others accept cards.

Typical costs:

• Birth certificate from state: $20.00
• Death certificate from state: $13.00
• Marriage record copy: Varies
• Land record copy: $1.00 per page
• Research fees: May apply at archives

Nearby Counties for Research

Borders changed over time. Your ancestors may appear in nearby records. Check surrounding counties. This is vital for pre-1913 research. Alamosa was formed from other counties.

Research in Costilla and Conejos for records before 1913.