Huerfano County Genealogy Records
Huerfano County sits in southern Colorado. Walsenburg serves as the county seat. The name means "orphan" in Spanish. It refers to a solitary mountain peak. About 6,800 people live here now. Coal mining built this community. Ranching added to the economy. Records tell stories of working families.
The county was among Colorado's original seventeen. It was created in 1861. Settlers came from many backgrounds. Mexican, Anglo, and European families arrived. They worked in the coal mines. Some ranched in the valleys. The area has rich cultural heritage. Genealogy research reflects this diversity.
Huerfano County Quick Facts
Huerfano County Clerk and Recorder
The Huerfano 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 1861. This is among Colorado's oldest collections. The courthouse stands in Walsenburg.
Walsenburg was a railroad and coal town. The D&RG Railroad came through. Coal mines opened nearby. Immigrants came to work. They came from Italy, Greece, and Mexico. Eastern Europeans arrived too. Their descendants still live here. Records show this history.
| Office |
Huerfano County Clerk and Recorder 401 Main Street, Suite 202 Walsenburg, CO 81089 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 719-738-3041 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | huerfano.us |
Where to Find Genealogy Records in Huerfano County
Start at the Clerk and Recorder office. They have birth and death records. Marriage licenses are on file. Coal company records may be mentioned. Staff can help you search. Bring specific names. Dates help narrow results.
The Colorado State Archives has older records. Visit them in Denver. They have pre-1900 documents. The online portal is free. Search before traveling. Staff know Huerfano County history. They can suggest record groups.
The Huerfano County Historical Society preserves heritage. They maintain a museum in town. Photos and artifacts are displayed. They may have family files. Volunteers know local stories. Contact them for assistance. They can guide your research.
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. Huerfano 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 Huerfano County
Huerfano County maintains excellent records. Birth certificates start from 1861. Death records began the same year. Marriage licenses are complete. Land records trace ownership. The county grew quickly. Records reflect this growth.
Coal mining records are significant here. Many mines operated in the county. Worker files may exist. Some are at other archives. Local records mention companies. Mining accidents were reported. These tell workers' stories.
- Birth records from 1861
- Death records from 1861
- Marriage licenses from 1861
- Land and property records
- Coal mining records
- Probate court records
Newspapers covered diverse communities. The Walsenburg World was a major paper. Ethnic papers existed too. Obituaries are valuable. Local news was thorough. The library may have microfilm.
Fees for Huerfano 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
Huerfano County connects to neighbors. Pueblo County is to the east. Las Animas County lies to the south. Costilla County is to the southwest. Alamosa County sits to the west. Custer County is to the northwest. Saguache County is to the northwest. Check all for complete research.