Hinsdale County Genealogy Records
Hinsdale County is Colorado's least populated county. About 800 people live here. Lake City serves as the county seat. The area is remote and mountainous. It offers stunning natural beauty. The San Juan Mountains surround the town. Silver mining built this community. Today it attracts outdoor enthusiasts.
The county was named for George A. Hinsdale. He was a prominent early settler. The town of Lake City began in 1874. Silver was discovered nearby. Miners rushed to the area. The boom did not last long. But families stayed. Their descendants remain today.
Hinsdale County Quick Facts
Hinsdale County Clerk and Recorder
The Hinsdale County Clerk and Recorder maintains vital records. The office follows C.R.S. 25-2-103. They issue birth, death, and marriage certificates. Staff help with genealogy searches. Records date to 1874. The county formed from Lake County. The courthouse is in Lake City.
Lake City sits at the base of mountain peaks. It is one of Colorado's most isolated towns. The road in is scenic but challenging. Winters bring heavy snow. Early settlers were hardy people. They mined silver and gold. Later they ranched. Records tell their stories.
| Office |
Hinsdale County Clerk and Recorder 317 N. Henson Street Lake City, CO 81235 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 970-944-2225 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | hinsdalecounty.colorado.gov |
Where to Find Genealogy Records in Hinsdale County
Begin at the Clerk and Recorder office. They have vital records available. Birth and death certificates are on file. Marriage licenses date to 1874. The collection is small but complete. Staff know every record. They can search quickly. Call before visiting.
The Colorado State Archives holds copies of older records. Visit them in Denver. The online portal is free. Search for Hinsdale County items. Some records are digitized. Others need in-person viewing. Staff can help you locate items.
The Lake City Historical Society preserves local history. They maintain a museum in town. Photos and artifacts are on display. They may have family files. Volunteers know local stories. Contact them for help. They can point you to resources.
Online Databases and Resources
The State Archives portal is essential. Access it from anywhere. The database covers all counties. Hinsdale County records are included. Results show what exists. Some images are online. Others need in-person viewing. C.R.S. 24-80 ensures access.
FamilySearch has Colorado collections. Create a free account. Search their catalog thoroughly. Hinsdale County appears in records. Census records are available. Some probate records exist. Check back for updates.
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 Hinsdale County
Hinsdale County offers several record types. Birth certificates start from 1874. Death records began the same year. Marriage licenses are available. Land records trace ownership. Mining claims were recorded. The county had silver mines. Records tell miners' stories.
The Alfred Packer story is famous here. He was accused of cannibalism in 1874. Court records document the case. It was a major trial. Records are at the State Archives. This is part of local history. Researchers often ask about it.
- Birth records from 1874
- Death records from 1874
- Marriage licenses from 1874
- Land and property records
- Mining claim records
- Historic court records
Newspapers covered local events. The Lake City Silver World was an early paper. Later papers served the area. Obituaries are valuable. Local news was personal. The State Archives may have copies.
Fees for Hinsdale 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
Hinsdale County borders several others. Gunnison County is to the north. Saguache County lies to the east. Mineral County is to the southeast. Archuleta County sits to the south. La Plata County is to the southwest. San Juan County is to the west. Ouray County is to the northwest. Check all for complete research.