Washington County Genealogy Records
Washington County is on the eastern plains of Colorado. The county seat is Akron. It was formed in 1887. The area is rural and agricultural. Many families have farmed here for generations. Records go back to the 1880s.
The Clerk and Recorder in Akron keeps vital and land records. Marriage records date to 1887. Land records start then too. Some birth and death records exist from early years. The office can help with genealogy searches. Call ahead to plan your visit.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Clerk and Recorder
The Clerk and Recorder in Washington County keeps many records. They issue marriage licenses. They record land documents. The office is in Akron. You can visit to search records. All records are open to the public.
Certified copies cost a fee. The office follows C.R.S. 24-80. Staff can help you find what you need. Some older records may be on microfilm. The office has online records search. You can look up property records from home.
| Address |
150 Ash Avenue Akron, CO 80720 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 970-345-6565 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | washingtoncounty.colorado.gov |
Vital Records in Washington County
Vital records help prove family connections. In Washington County, the Clerk has some early records. But most are held elsewhere. The Colorado Department of Public Health has birth and death records from 1910. Call 303-692-2200.
Recent vital records are private under C.R.S. 25-2-117. Only family can get copies. You can order online at VitalChek. Cost is $20 per copy. Fees go up in 2026.
The Colorado State Archives has older records. Use their search database. It is free. The Archives is at 1313 Sherman Street in Denver. Call 303-866-2358 for help.
Marriage Records in Washington County
Marriage records in Washington County start in 1887. 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 Washington County. Use this index to find license numbers. Then contact the county for the full record. The index is online.
Land and Property Records
Land records in Washington County date to 1887. The Clerk and Recorder keeps all deeds and mortgages. Farming families will find these useful. The records show land transfers over time. You can search at the Akron office.
Many families in Washington County farmed for generations. Land records can show this history. They reveal when property passed from parent to child. Homestead records are of special interest. These show early settlers on the plains.
Colorado State Archives Resources
The Colorado State Archives holds Washington 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 Washington 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
- Washington County Clerk - Local records
- CDPHE Vital Records - Birth and death certificates
FamilySearch has a wiki for Washington County. It lists available records. Check it for research tips.
Nearby Counties
Ancestors may have lived in nearby plains areas. Check these counties: