Rio Grande County Genealogy Records
Rio Grande County is in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado. The county seat is Del Norte. It was formed in 1874 from Costilla County. The Rio Grande River runs through it. The area has a mix of Hispanic and Anglo settlement history.
The Clerk and Recorder in Del Norte keeps vital and land records. You can find marriage licenses from the 1870s. Land records start from the same time. The office can help with genealogy searches. Call ahead to check hours and availability.
Rio Grande County Quick Facts
Rio Grande County Clerk and Recorder
The Clerk and Recorder in Rio Grande County manages many records. They issue marriage licenses. They record land documents. They also run elections. The records section is open to the public. You can search for family history there.
The office has early marriage records. Land records go back to 1874. Some birth and death records exist from early years. Visit the Del Norte office to search. Staff can help you find what you need. Records may be on paper or microfilm.
| Address |
965 6th Street PO Box 160 Del Norte, CO 81132 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 719-657-3334 |
| Hours | Monday - Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed Friday) |
| Website | riograndecounty.colorado.gov |
Vital Records in Rio Grande County
Vital records in Rio Grande County include births, deaths, and marriages. State law C.R.S. 25-2-117 makes recent records private. Only family can get copies. Older records may be more accessible.
The Clerk and Recorder has some early vital records. For records from 1910 onward, contact CDPHE. Call 303-692-2200. You can order online through VitalChek. Cost is $20 per copy.
The Colorado State Archives holds older records. They have court records and other documents. Use their search database to look for names. The Archives is at 1313 Sherman Street in Denver. Call 303-866-2358 for appointments.
Marriage Records in Rio Grande County
Marriage records in Rio Grande County go back to 1874. The Clerk and Recorder keeps all licenses. These are public records. You can get a certified copy. Visit the office or call to request one.
The State Archives marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. This includes Rio Grande County. Search the index online. It gives license numbers and dates. Use this to find the full record in Del Norte.
Land and Property Records
Land records in Rio Grande County date to 1874. The Clerk and Recorder keeps deeds and mortgages. These show property owners over time. You can search at the Del Norte office. Indexes help you find records by name.
The San Luis Valley has a unique land history. Many early settlers had Spanish or Mexican land grants. Later records show how these were divided. Land records can reveal family connections. They show property passed through generations.
Historical and Genealogy Resources
Rio Grande County has historical resources. The San Luis Valley Historical Society preserves local history. They have photos and documents. The Carnegie Library in Monte Vista has local history materials.
FamilySearch has Rio Grande County records. Some are digitized and free. The FamilySearch Wiki has research tips. Check their Rio Grande County page for guidance.
Helpful Websites
Many resources are online. Start your research here:
- Colorado State Archives - State-level records
- FamilySearch - Free genealogy database
- Rio Grande County Clerk - Local records
- CDPHE Vital Records - Birth and death certificates
These sites can help you find records. Many are free to use.
Nearby Counties
Ancestors may have lived in nearby counties. Check these areas: