Bent County Genealogy Records
Bent County lies along the Arkansas River in southeast Colorado. The Santa Fe Trail passed through here. Historic Fort Lyon stands in the county. It once served as a military post. Later it became a hospital. The area holds much history. Families settled here over time. Their records remain today. Researchers come to find them.
Bent County Quick Facts
Bent County Clerk and Recorder
The Bent County Clerk and Recorder keeps public records. The office is in Las Animas. They handle elections and records. For genealogy, they offer marriage licenses. They also have land records. These help trace family history. Staff can help you search. They know the records well.
This is a smaller office. Personal service is good. Call before you visit. Staff can prepare records. This helps your visit go smoothly.
| Address |
725 Carson Ave. Las Animas, CO 81054 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 719-456-1668 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | bentcounty.net |
Where to Find Genealogy Records in Bent County
The Clerk and Recorder is your starting point. They have marriages and land records. These go back to 1874. You can view them at the office.
Birth and death records are different. The state holds these under C.R.S. 25-2-103. The Colorado State Archives may have older ones. They operate under C.R.S. 24-80.
Places to look:
- Bent County Clerk and Recorder
- Colorado State Archives in Denver
- CDPHE Vital Records
- Las Animas-Bent County Library
- Bent County Historical Society
Online Databases and Resources
Online research saves time. The state offers many tools. You can search databases. Then visit for full records. This approach works well.
Online tools:
- Colorado State Archives - State records
- Archives Search - Search holdings
- FamilySearch - Free genealogy
- CDPHE - Vital records
- VitalChek - Online orders
Records Available in Bent County
Many records exist. Each type helps research. Marriages prove unions. Land records show moves. Probate records list heirs. Court records may help.
Vital records have limits. C.R.S. 25-2-117 protects birth records for 100 years. Death records close for 75 years. Then they open. Marriages and land records are public.
Fees for Records in Bent County
Expect to pay for copies. Fees vary. The county sets some. The state sets others. Call to confirm. Bring payment.
CDPHE fees are standard. Birth certificates cost $20. Death certificates are $13. Extra copies cost less. County fees differ.
Common fees:
- Birth certificate: $20.00
- Death certificate: $13.00
- Marriage copy: Varies
- Land record: $1.00 per page
Nearby Counties for Research
Ancestors may have moved. Check nearby counties. Records may be there.