Custer County Genealogy Records

Custer County nestles in the Wet Mountain Valley of southern Colorado. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains rise to the west. The Wet Mountains stand to the east. This beautiful area drew settlers in the 1870s. Ranchers and miners made their homes here. The county formed in 1877. Silver Cliff was first the county seat. Later Westcliffe took that role. Today researchers find rich records of frontier life.

The area holds much history. Native Americans lived here first. Then Spanish explorers came. The Ute people hunted in these mountains. American settlers arrived later. They built towns and ranches. They left behind vital records. Land deeds show property claims. Marriage records prove family ties. Probate files settle estates. All help trace family roots. The county archives preserve these stories.

Custer County Clerk and Recorder

The Custer County Clerk and Recorder maintains local records. Their office sits in Westcliffe. They keep marriage licenses from 1877. Land records go back just as far. The staff knows the local history. They can help find records. The rural setting means personal service. Staff takes time to assist researchers.

The office holds many document types. Marriage records prove unions. Land deeds track property moves. Military discharge papers are filed here. Some birth and death records exist too. Call before visiting. Staff can pull records. This saves time during your trip.

Where to Find Genealogy Records in Custer County

The Clerk and Recorder office is your first stop. They hold marriage records from 1877. Land records start then too. These documents prove family ties. They show where ancestors lived. Staff can help you search. Call ahead for best service.

Birth and death records follow state rules. C.R.S. 25-2-103 governs vital records. Most are at the state level. The Colorado State Archives holds older ones. They operate under C.R.S. 24-80. This law protects historic documents.

Places to search:

• Custer County Clerk and Recorder for local records
• Colorado State Archives for vital records
• CDPHE Vital Records for certified copies
• Custer County Museum for local history
• Westcliffe Public Library for research help

Online Databases and Resources

The internet makes research easier. You can search from home. The state offers free databases. FamilySearch has records too. These help you plan visits. You may find names and dates. Then you can request full records.

The Archives Search Database lists state holdings. You can search by name. You can search by record type too. This tells you what exists. Then you know what to request. The Colorado State Archives website has this tool. It is free to use.

Key online resources:

• Colorado State Archives - Historical records database
• Archives Search Database - Search state holdings
• FamilySearch - Free genealogy records
• CDPHE Vital Records - Order certificates online
• VitalChek - Fast certificate ordering

Records Available in Custer County

Custer County holds many record types. Each tells part of your story. Marriage records prove unions. Land records show property moves. Probate records list heirs. Court records may hold family disputes. All add pieces to your puzzle.

Vital records have protection rules. C.R.S. 25-2-117 keeps birth records private for 100 years. Death records close for 75 years. Then they open to the public. Marriage records are public once filed. Land records have always been open. Court records vary by type and age.

Naturalization records may exist. These show when immigrants became citizens. They list birth places and dates. Old newspapers are on microfilm. The local library has these. Obituaries tell family stories. They often name relatives. This helps build your family tree.

Fees for Records in Custer County

Getting copies costs money. Each office sets fees. State law governs some charges. Know costs before you order. This helps you budget for research.

The CDPHE charges standard fees. Birth certificates cost $20. Death certificates are $13 for the first copy. Each extra copy costs less. The county sets its own rates. Call to check current fees. Bring exact change if paying in person.

Typical fees include:

• Birth certificate from state: $20.00
• Death certificate from state: $13.00
• Marriage record copy: Varies by county
• Land record copy: Usually $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: Add $5.00 to $10.00

Under C.R.S. 25-2-117, some records need proof of relationship. Birth certificates are private for 100 years. Death certificates are private for 75 years. Only family can get these copies. You must show ID and prove your connection.

Nearby Counties for Research

Your ancestors may have lived in nearby counties. People moved often in the past. They followed jobs and land. Check surrounding areas if you need more records.

Check Fremont and Pueblo counties for records. Many families moved between these areas.