Gilpin County Genealogy Records

Gilpin County holds a special place in Colorado history. It was among the first counties created. The gold rush built this area. Central City serves as the county seat. About 5,800 people live here today. The mountains hold tales of fortune seekers. Genealogy research reveals their stories.

The county was named for William Gilpin. He was Colorado's first territorial governor. Gold was discovered in 1859. Miners flooded the area. Boom towns sprang up overnight. Some survived. Others became ghost towns. Records capture this dramatic era.

Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder

The Gilpin County Clerk and Recorder maintains vital records. The office operates under C.R.S. 25-2-103. They keep birth, death, and marriage documents. Staff assist with genealogy requests. Records date to 1861. This is Colorado's earliest period. The courthouse is in Central City.

Central City was once a booming town. Gold made it rich. The opera house still stands. It opened in 1878. Famous performers appeared there. The town preserved its history. Records survived the boom and bust. Genealogy research is rich here.

Where to Find Genealogy Records in Gilpin County

Start at the Clerk and Recorder office. They have records from 1861. Birth and death certificates are available. Marriage licenses are on file. Early records may be sparse. Mining camps kept poor records. But official documents survived. Staff can help you search.

The Colorado State Archives is essential. They have extensive Gilpin County records. Visit them in Denver. The online portal is free. Search for mining records. Early territorial documents exist. Staff know this history well.

The Central City Opera House Association has archives. They preserve cultural history. Programs and photos exist. These show social history. Families attended events. Records mention residents. This adds color to research.

Online Databases and Resources

The State Archives portal is crucial. It has many Gilpin County records. Search from anywhere. Results are comprehensive. Some images are online. Others need in-person viewing. C.R.S. 24-80 ensures access. Public records are available to all.

FamilySearch has early Colorado records. Create a free account. Gilpin County is well represented. Mining claim records exist. Census records are complete. Some probate records are available. Check the catalog thoroughly.

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 begin.

Records Available in Gilpin County

Gilpin County has historic records. Birth certificates start from 1861. Death records began the same year. Marriage licenses are available. Mining claims were recorded. These tell who staked claims. Land records show property.

Mining records are extensive here. This was gold country. Claim filings were recorded. Some are at the State Archives. Local records mention mines. Accidents were documented. These tell miners' stories.

• Birth records from 1861
• Death records from 1861
• Marriage licenses from 1861
• Mining claims and records
• Land deeds
• Probate court records

Newspapers covered the gold rush. The Miner was an early paper. Later papers served the area. Obituaries are valuable. Local news was dramatic. The library has microfilm copies.

Fees for Gilpin 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: Per page rates

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.

Nearby Counties

Gilpin County borders several others. Clear Creek County is to the south. Jefferson County lies to the east. Boulder County is to the north. Grand County sits to the west. Check all for complete research.