Summit County Genealogy Records

Summit County is in the Colorado Rockies. The county seat is Breckenridge. It was formed in 1861 as one of the original 17 counties. The area has a rich mining history. Gold was discovered here in 1859. Today it is known for world-class skiing.

The Clerk and Recorder in Breckenridge keeps vital and land records. Documents date to the 1860s. The office has modern systems. You can search records online or in person. Staff can help with genealogy research.

Summit County Clerk and Recorder

The Clerk and Recorder in Summit County handles many records. They issue marriage licenses. They record land documents. They also issue birth and death certificates. The main office is in Breckenridge. There is also a branch in Silverthorne.

The office has records dating to 1861. You can visit to search. Staff can help you find what you need. Some records may be on microfilm. The office has modern online search tools. You can access many records from home.

Vital Records in Summit County

The Summit County Clerk and Recorder issues birth and death certificates. They have Colorado records only. For certificates, visit the Breckenridge office. You can also order through 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 has older records. Use their search database. It is free. The Archives is in Denver. Call 303-866-2358.

Marriage Records in Summit County

Marriage records in Summit County go back to 1861. 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. It includes Summit County. Search online for free. The index gives license numbers. Use this to find the full record in Breckenridge.

Land and Property Records

Land records in Summit County date to 1861. The Clerk and Recorder keeps deeds and mortgages. You can search these online. The county has a records search portal. Visit their website to use it.

Mining claims were important here. Early settlers filed many claims. The records show who owned what. They may list partners and locations. This helps trace mining families. Land records can reveal family connections.

Historical and Genealogy Resources

Summit County has strong historical resources. The Summit County Libraries have local history sections. They have newspapers and photos. The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance preserves mining history. They offer tours and research help.

The FamilySearch website has Summit County records. Some are digitized. You can view them from home. The FamilySearch Wiki has research tips. Check their Summit County page.

Helpful Websites

Many resources are online. Here are key sites:

• Colorado State Archives - State-level records
• FamilySearch - Free genealogy database
• Summit County Clerk - Local records
• Summit County Libraries - Local history

These sites can help you start your research. Many records are now digital.

Nearby Counties

Ancestors may have lived in nearby mountain areas. Check these counties: