Elbert County Genealogy Records
Elbert County spreads across Colorado's eastern plains. Ranching defines this rural area. The land stretches flat and wide. Homesteaders settled here in the 1800s. They built a farming community. Today about 26,000 people live here. The county seat is Kiowa.
The area preserves its pioneer spirit. Families have ranched here for generations. Records tell their stories well. The courthouse holds vital documents. You can trace lineages back decades. Genealogy research is rewarding here. The quiet plains hold rich history.
Elbert County Quick Facts
Elbert County Clerk and Recorder
The Elbert County Clerk and Recorder keeps vital records. The office operates under C.R.S. 25-2-103. They maintain birth, death, and marriage documents. Staff assist with genealogy requests. Records date to the county's formation. The courthouse stands in Kiowa. It serves this rural community well.
The office provides certified copies. They search records when needed. Staff know the local families. Many have worked there for years. Bring all details you have. Full names help searches. Dates narrow results. Places add context.
| Office |
Elbert County Clerk and Recorder 215 Comanche Street Kiowa, CO 80117 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 303-621-6119 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | elbertcounty-co.gov |
Where to Find Genealogy Records in Elbert County
Visit the Clerk and Recorder first. They have birth and death records. Marriage licenses are on file. Land records show ranch ownership. Staff can help you search. Bring identification with you. Fees apply for copies. Call ahead with questions.
The Colorado State Archives holds older records. Visit their Denver location. Records from before 1900 may be there. Their online portal is helpful. Search before you travel. Staff can retrieve items. Plan a research day.
The Elbert County Library has resources. They keep local newspapers. High school yearbooks are available. The library offers computer access. Genealogy databases can be used there. Staff assist researchers. They know local history.
Online Databases and Resources
The State Archives search portal is essential. Access it from home. The database is free. It shows record locations. Some images are online. Others need in-person viewing. This saves research time. C.R.S. 24-80 ensures access.
FamilySearch offers Colorado records. Create a free account. Search their catalog thoroughly. Elbert County appears in collections. Census records are available. Some probate records exist. Check back often. New items arrive regularly.
VitalChek handles online orders. Use them for certified copies. They charge a service fee. Records come by mail. Visit vitalchek.com to begin. CDPHE also accepts online requests. Their system covers all counties.
Records Available in Elbert County
Elbert County maintains several record types. Birth records start from 1874. Early records may be incomplete. Death records began around the same time. Marriage licenses date to county formation. Land records are extensive. Ranch deeds fill the files.
School records tell family stories. Rural schools dotted the plains. Some records still exist. They list parents and children. The county valued education. Families supported their schools.
- Birth records from 1874
- Death records from 1870s
- Marriage licenses from 1874
- Land and ranch deeds
- Court records
- School census records
Newspapers covered local events. The Elbert County News served the area. Obituaries named family members. Local happenings were reported. These papers add life to names. The library has microfilm copies.
Fees for Elbert County Records
Fees follow Colorado standards. Certified copies are $20. Additional copies cost $13. Death certificates match these rates. Marriage certificates are $17. Plain copies cost less. Research fees may apply. Contact the office for details.
Standard fees include:
- Certified birth certificate: $20 first copy
- Additional copies: $13 each
- Certified death certificate: $20 first copy
- Marriage certificate: $17
- Plain copies: $0.25 per page
Under C.R.S. 25-2-117, privacy rules exist. Birth records close for 100 years. Death records close for 75 years. Only family can access them. Proof of relation is required. The Clerk verifies identity. This protects privacy statewide.
Nearby Counties
Elbert County connects to neighbors. Douglas County is to the west. Arapahoe County lies to the north. Lincoln County is to the east. El Paso County sits to the south. Washington County is to the northeast. Check all for complete research.