Gunnison County Genealogy Records
Gunnison County spreads across Colorado's Western Slope. The city of Gunnison serves as the county seat. About 17,000 people live here now. The area is known for outdoor adventure. Crested Butte attracts skiers and mountain bikers. But ranching built this community. Families have worked the land for generations.
The county was named for John W. Gunnison. He was a captain in the Army Corps of Engineers. He surveyed the area in 1853. Tragically, he was killed by Native Americans. The county honored his memory. Settlers arrived soon after. They found rich valleys for ranching. Records capture their hardy lives.
Gunnison County Quick Facts
Gunnison County Clerk and Recorder
The Gunnison 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 1877. The county was formed from Lake County. The courthouse stands in Gunnison.
The town of Gunnison sits in a wide valley. The river of the same name runs through it. The area is surrounded by mountains. Winters are cold and long. Early settlers were tough people. They raised cattle and hay. Records tell their stories. The courthouse preserves their history.
| Office |
Gunnison County Clerk and Recorder 221 N. Wisconsin Street Gunnison, CO 81230 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 970-641-1516 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | gunnisoncounty.org/clerk-and-recorder |
Where to Find Genealogy Records in Gunnison County
Visit the Clerk and Recorder first. They have birth and death records. Marriage licenses are on file. Land records are extensive. Ranching families owned property. Records trace ownership changes. Staff can help you search. Call ahead with questions.
The Gunnison County Library helps researchers. They have local history materials. Newspapers are on microfilm. High school yearbooks exist. The library offers computer access. Genealogy databases can be used there. Staff know local resources.
The Colorado State Archives has older records. Visit their Denver location. They have pre-1900 documents. The online portal is free. Search before traveling. Staff can retrieve items.
Online Databases and Resources
The State Archives search portal is essential. Access it from anywhere. The database is comprehensive. It covers all Colorado counties. Results show what exists. Some records are digitized. Others need in-person viewing.
FamilySearch offers free tools. Create an account to start. Gunnison County appears in collections. Census records are available. Some probate records exist. Check the catalog often. New items arrive regularly.
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 Gunnison County
Gunnison County maintains several record types. Birth certificates start from 1877. Death records began the same year. Marriage licenses are available. Land records trace ranch ownership. The county attracted hearty settlers. Records tell their stories.
Crested Butte has its own history. It was a mining town first. Coal mining brought workers. Later it became a ski resort. Records show both eras. Employee lists may exist. Local papers covered everything.
- Birth records from 1877
- Death records from 1877
- Marriage licenses from 1877
- Land and ranch records
- Mining records for Crested Butte
- Probate court records
Newspapers documented local life. The Gunnison News-Chronicle served the area. Older papers existed too. Obituaries are valuable. Local news was thorough. The library has microfilm copies.
Fees for Gunnison 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
Gunnison County connects to neighbors. Pitkin County is to the north. Chaffee County lies to the east. Saguache County is to the south. Hinsdale County sits to the southwest. Ouray County is to the west. Montrose County is to the northwest. Check all for complete research.