San Juan County Genealogy Records
San Juan County is Colorados least populous county. The county seat is Silverton. It sits high in the San Juan Mountains. The county formed in 1876. Mining brought the first settlers. Gold and silver drew thousands. Today it is a historic treasure.
The Clerk and Recorder in Silverton keeps all records. The office is small but complete. Marriage and land records date to the 1870s. Some birth and death records exist from early years. Staff can help with genealogy research. Call ahead due to limited hours.
San Juan County Quick Facts
San Juan County Clerk and Recorder
The Clerk and Recorder in San Juan County wears many hats. This office handles all records. They issue marriage licenses. They record mining claims and land deeds. They also run elections. The office is in the courthouse on Greene Street.
San Juan County does not have court cases. The county is too small. Criminal and civil cases go to La Plata County. But the Clerk keeps all other records. You can visit to search. Staff will help you find what you need.
| Address |
1557 Greene Street Silverton, CO 81433 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 970-387-5671 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | sanjuancounty.colorado.gov |
Vital Records in San Juan County
Vital records are limited in San Juan County. The City Clerk in Silverton has some birth and death records from 1901 to 1907. The county does not have a health department. For most vital records, contact the state.
The Colorado Department of Public Health has records from 1910. Call 303-692-2200. You can order online at VitalChek. Cost is $20 per copy. Recent records are private under C.R.S. 25-2-117.
The Colorado State Archives may have older records. Use their search database. It is free. The Archives is in Denver. Call 303-866-2358 for help.
Marriage Records in San Juan County
Marriage records in San Juan County go back to 1876. The Clerk and Recorder keeps all licenses. These are public records. You can get a certified copy. Contact the office by phone or visit in person.
The State Archives marriage index covers 1890 to 1939. It includes San Juan County. Search online for free. The index gives license numbers. Use this to find the full record in Silverton.
Land and Mining Records
Land records in San Juan County date to 1876. The Clerk and Recorder keeps deeds and mortgages. Mining claims are also recorded here. These are key for genealogy in a mining county. You can search at the Silverton office.
Silverton was a major mining center. Thousands of miners filed claims. The records show who staked what and when. They may list partners and locations. This can help you trace mining families. Water rights are also important here.
Historical and Genealogy Resources
Silverton has strong historical resources. The San Juan County Historical Society preserves the area's mining history. They have photos, documents, and artifacts. The Allen Nossaman Memorial Archive is their research center. They can help with family history.
The FamilySearch website has San Juan County records. Some are digitized. You can view them from home. The FamilySearch Wiki has research tips. Check their San Juan County page.
Helpful Websites
Many resources are online. Here are key sites:
- Colorado State Archives - State-level records
- FamilySearch - Free genealogy database
- San Juan County Clerk - Local records
- San Juan County Historical Society - Mining history
These sites can help you start your research. Many Silverton records are unique to mining history.
Nearby Counties
Ancestors may have lived in nearby mining areas. Check these counties: