Eagle County Genealogy Records

Eagle County sits in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. The area is famous for world-class skiing. But its history runs much deeper. Ranchers and miners settled here first. They built communities in the valleys. Today about 55,000 people live here. The county seat is the town of Eagle.

The Vail Valley attracts visitors worldwide. Vail Resort opened in 1962. It changed the county forever. But before tourism, ranching ruled. Families raised cattle in mountain valleys. They left records of their lives. Genealogy research uncovers these stories. The past lives on in documents.

Eagle County Clerk and Recorder

The Eagle County Clerk and Recorder maintains vital records. The office follows Colorado statutes. C.R.S. 25-2-103 guides their work. They issue birth, death, and marriage certificates. Staff can help with genealogy searches. Records date back to 1883. The county was formed from Summit County.

The courthouse sits in Eagle. This small town serves government needs. Vail is larger but not the seat. The clerk has an office in both towns. You can visit either location. Call ahead to confirm hours. Some records need advance notice. Staff will prepare them for you.

Where to Find Genealogy Records in Eagle County

Start at the Clerk and Recorder office. They have vital records on site. Birth and death records are available. Marriage licenses are kept there too. Bring specific information. Names and dates help searches. Staff can access databases. They know the record systems well.

The Colorado State Archives has older records. Visit them in Denver. Their collection includes pre-1900 documents. You can search online first. The database is free to use. It shows what is available. Then plan your visit. Staff can retrieve items for you.

The Eagle Valley Library District helps researchers. They have local history collections. Newspapers are on microfilm. High school yearbooks exist. The library has genealogy databases. You can use Ancestry Library Edition there. Staff can guide beginners. They suggest research strategies.

Online Databases and Resources

The Colorado State Archives portal is key. Search from anywhere with internet. Results show record locations. Some documents are digitized. Others need in-person viewing. The portal follows C.R.S. 24-80. Public access is guaranteed. This is your best starting point.

FamilySearch has Colorado collections. Create a free account. Search their catalog for Eagle County. Some records are indexed. Images may be viewable at home. Others need a center visit. The Glenwood Springs center is nearby. They can help with access.

VitalChek handles online orders. Use them for certified copies. They work with Colorado offices. A service fee applies. Records come by mail. Visit vitalchek.com to start. The CDPHE also accepts online requests. Their system covers all counties.

Records Available in Eagle County

Eagle County offers various record types. Birth certificates start from 1883. Early ones may be sparse. Death records began around the same time. Marriage licenses date to county formation. Divorce records are at the district court. Land records show ranch properties. These trace family holdings.

Mining records exist for the area. Some early prospectors filed claims. These are at the federal level. But local records mention mining. County court cases involved disputes. Newspapers covered mining news. These sources add context.

• Birth and death records from 1883
• Marriage licenses from 1883
• Land deeds and ranch records
• Court records at the district court
• Probate records for estates
• Naturalization records

Ski resort history is unique here. Vail's development created records. Early employees and residents appear. The town of Vail has archives. They preserve this modern history. It complements older records. Together they tell the full story.

Fees for Eagle County Records

Fees follow state standards. Certified copies cost $20 for the first. Additional copies are $13. Death certificates match these rates. Marriage certificates are $17. Plain copies cost less. Research fees may apply. Call for current prices.

Standard fees include:

• Certified birth certificate: $20 first copy
• Additional birth copies: $13 each
• Certified death certificate: $20 first copy
• Marriage certificate: $17
• Plain copies: Per page rates

Under C.R.S. 25-2-117, privacy rules apply. Birth records close for 100 years. Death records close for 75 years. Only family can access them. You must prove relationship. The Clerk verifies carefully. This protects personal privacy. Rules are consistent statewide.

Nearby Counties

Eagle County borders several others. Summit County is to the east. Pitkin County lies to the south. Garfield County is to the west. Lake County sits to the south. Grand County is to the north. Check all for complete research.