Chaffee County Genealogy Records
Chaffee County sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It was formed in 1879. The county saw a mining boom. Silver and lead drew settlers. The town of Salida became the county seat. It sits along the Arkansas River. Today the area thrives on tourism. But the old records remain. They tell the story of the early days.
Chaffee County Quick Facts
Chaffee County Clerk and Recorder
The Chaffee County Clerk and Recorder keeps local records. Their office is in Salida. They have marriage licenses. They have land records too. These date back to 1879. The staff is helpful. They know the mining history. They can help you find records.
The office is in the courthouse. It is easy to find. Street parking is available. Call before you visit. Staff can pull records for you. This saves time.
| Address |
140 E. 3rd St. Salida, CO 81201 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 719-539-4004 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | chaffeecounty.org |
Where to Find Genealogy Records in Chaffee County
Start at the Clerk and Recorder office. They have marriages and land records. These go back to 1879. You can view them there.
Birth and death records are at the state level. C.R.S. 25-2-103 governs these. The Colorado State Archives has older ones. They work under C.R.S. 24-80.
Places to search:
- Chaffee County Clerk and Recorder
- Colorado State Archives in Denver
- CDPHE Vital Records
- Salida Regional Library
- Chaffee County Historical Society
Online Databases and Resources
Online research helps. The state offers many tools. You can search from home. Then visit for full records.
Key resources:
- Colorado State Archives - State records
- Archives Search - Find documents
- FamilySearch - Free genealogy
- CDPHE - Vital records
- VitalChek - Online ordering
Records Available in Chaffee County
Many record types exist. Each helps your research. Marriage records prove unions. Land records track property. Probate records list heirs. Court records may help.
Vital records have rules. C.R.S. 25-2-117 protects birth records for 100 years. Death records close for 75 years. Then they open. Marriage and land records are public.
Fees for Records in Chaffee County
Copies cost money. The county charges fees. The state does too. Know costs before you go.
CDPHE sets standard fees. Birth certificates are $20. Death certificates cost $13. Extra copies are less. County fees vary.
Typical 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 lived nearby. Check these counties. Records may be there.