Rio Blanco County Genealogy Records
Rio Blanco County is in northwestern Colorado. The county seat is Meeker. The White River runs through this rural county. It was formed in 1889 from Garfield County. The area has a strong ranching history. Many families have lived here for generations.
The Clerk and Recorder in Meeker keeps vital and land records. Birth and death records start around 1898. Marriage and land records date to 1897. The office can help with genealogy searches. Call ahead for the best service.
Rio Blanco County Quick Facts
Rio Blanco County Clerk and Recorder
The Clerk and Recorder in Rio Blanco County keeps many records. They issue marriage licenses. They record land documents. The office also handles elections. For genealogy, their vital records and land files are most useful.
The office has birth and death records from 1898. Marriage records start in 1897. Land records go back to the county's founding. You can visit the Meeker office to search. Staff can help you find what you need. Some records may be on microfilm.
| Address |
555 Main Street Meeker, CO 81641 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 970-878-9460 |
| clerk@rbc.us | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | rbc.us |
Vital Records in Rio Blanco County
Vital records help prove family connections. In Rio Blanco County, the Clerk has some older records. Birth and death records from 1898 to 1906 may be available. Statewide registration started later. Not all births and deaths were recorded early on.
For records from 1910 to now, contact CDPHE Vital Records. Call 303-692-2200. You can also use VitalChek online. The cost is $20 per copy. C.R.S. 25-2-117 keeps recent records private.
The Colorado State Archives has birth records for Rio Blanco County. They have a record of births from 1896 to 1929. This is searchable in the Archives Search Database. The database is free to use. Visit archives-search.state.co.us.
Marriage Records in Rio Blanco County
Marriage records in Rio Blanco County start in 1897. The Clerk and Recorder issues licenses and keeps copies. You can request a certified copy. Call the office or visit in person. Staff can search by name.
The State Archives marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. It includes Rio Blanco County. Use this index to find license numbers. Then contact the county for the full record. The index is online at the Archives website.
Land and Property Records
Land records in Rio Blanco County date to 1897. The Clerk and Recorder keeps all deeds and mortgages. Ranching families will find these useful. The records show land transfers over time. You can search at the Meeker office.
Many families in Rio Blanco County ranched for generations. Land records can show this history. They reveal when property passed from parent to child. Water rights are also recorded. These are key in this arid region.
Colorado State Archives Resources
The Colorado State Archives holds Rio Blanco County records. State law C.R.S. 24-80 guides their work. They have court records and other documents. You need an appointment to visit. Call 303-866-2358.
The Archives Search Database has Rio Blanco County records. You can search from home. The database includes names and record types. Not everything is online. But it is a good starting point.
Online Genealogy Resources
You can start research online. Here are helpful sites:
- Colorado State Archives - State and county records
- FamilySearch - Free genealogy database
- Rio Blanco County Clerk - Local records info
- CDPHE Vital Records - Birth and death certificates
FamilySearch has a wiki page for Rio Blanco County. It lists available records. Check the wiki for tips.
Nearby Counties
Ancestors may have lived in nearby areas. Check these counties: