Garfield County Genealogy Records
Garfield County spreads across Colorado's Western Slope. Glenwood Springs serves as the county seat. The area is famous for hot springs. About 62,000 people live here now. Ranching and energy built the community. The Roaring Fork Valley runs through it. Genealogy research reveals pioneer families.
The county was named for President James Garfield. He was assassinated in 1881. Settlers came for many reasons. Some sought the healing waters. Others raised cattle and sheep. Coal mining brought workers. Their descendants remain today. Records tell these diverse stories.
Garfield County Quick Facts
Garfield County Clerk and Recorder
The Garfield County Clerk and Recorder keeps vital records. The office follows C.R.S. 25-2-103. They issue birth, death, and marriage certificates. Staff assist with genealogy research. Records date to 1883. The county formed from Summit County. The courthouse is in Glenwood Springs.
The hot springs drew early visitors. Some stayed to make homes. The town grew around the spa. Records reflect this history. Mining added to the population. Ranching sustained families. All these stories are documented.
| Office |
Garfield County Clerk and Recorder 109 8th Street, Suite 200 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 970-384-3700 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | garfield-county.com/clerk-recorder |
Where to Find Genealogy Records in Garfield County
Begin at the Clerk and Recorder office. They have vital records available. Birth and death certificates are on file. Marriage licenses date to 1883. Staff can search for you. Bring specific information. Names and dates are essential.
The Glenwood Springs Branch Library helps. They have local history resources. Newspapers are on microfilm. High school yearbooks exist. The library offers computer access. Genealogy databases are available. Staff assist researchers.
The Colorado State Archives holds older records. Visit them in Denver. Their online portal is free. Search before traveling. Staff know Garfield County history. They can suggest record groups.
Online Databases and Resources
The State Archives portal is key. Access it from anywhere. The database is comprehensive. Results show what exists. Some images are online. Others need in-person viewing. C.R.S. 24-80 governs access.
FamilySearch has Colorado collections. Create a free account. Garfield County appears in searches. Census records are complete. Some probate records exist. Check the catalog regularly. New items are added often.
VitalChek handles online orders. Use them for certified copies. They work with Colorado offices. Service fees apply. Records come by mail. Visit vitalchek.com to start.
Records Available in Garfield County
Garfield County offers several record types. Birth certificates start from 1883. Death records began the same year. Marriage licenses are available. Land records trace ownership. The valley attracted many settlers. Records tell their stories.
Mining records are significant here. Coal mines operated for decades. Worker files may exist. Some are at federal archives. Local records mention mining. Accidents were reported in newspapers. These tell working-class stories.
- Birth records from 1883
- Death records from 1883
- Marriage licenses from 1883
- Land and ranch records
- Mining and coal records
- Probate court records
Newspapers documented local life. The Glenwood Post served the area. Older papers exist too. Obituaries are valuable. Local news was thorough. The library has microfilm copies.
Fees for Garfield County Records
Fees follow state guidelines. 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. Call for current rates.
Typical fees include:
- Certified birth certificate: $20 first copy
- Additional copies: $13 each
- Certified death certificate: $20 first copy
- Marriage certificate: $17
- Plain copies: Variable rates
Under C.R.S. 25-2-117, privacy laws apply. Birth records are private for 100 years. Death records are private for 75 years. Only family can access these. Proof of relationship is required. The Clerk verifies carefully.
Nearby Counties
Garfield County borders several others. Eagle County is to the east. Pitkin County lies to the south. Mesa County is to the west. Rio Blanco County sits to the northwest. Routt County is to the north. Check all for complete research.