The History Junkie
menu icon
search icon
×

The History Junkie's Guide to Colorado Genealogy

Published: · Modified: by · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Are you tracking an ancestor through Colorado genealogy and need a guide?

Colorado Genealogy

The state was named for the Colorado River, which Spanish travelers named the Río Colorado for the ruddy (Spanish: colorado) silt the river carried from the mountains. The Territory of Colorado was organized on February 28, 1861, and on August 1, 1876, U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant signed Proclamation 230, admitting Colorado to the Union as the 38th state. Colorado is nicknamed the "Centennial State" because it became a state in the same year as the centennial of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Jump to:

Colorado played an important part in the silver mining industry during the mid-19th century, which would lead to many settlements around Denver. As time progressed, more settlers came and laid claim and developed the land. There are still many little mining towns throughout the state of Colorado. If your family line came to Colorado during the mid-19th century, then it is a good bet that it had something to do with the mining opportunities within the state.

During the 20th century, Colorado's mining industry remained steady, but the state saw an increase in tourism due to the popularity of skiing. Many resorts were built to take advantage of and accommodate the skiing industry.

ADAMS ∣ ALAMOSA ∣ ARAPAHOE ∣ ARCHULETA ∣ BACA ∣ BENT ∣ BOULDER ∣ CLEAR CREEK ∣ CHAFFEE ∣ CHEYENNE ∣ CONEJOS ∣ COSTILLA ∣ CROWLEY ∣ CUSTER ∣ DELTA ∣ DENVER ∣ DOLORES ∣ DOUGLAS ∣ EAGLE ∣ ELBERT ∣ EL PASO   FREMONT ∣ GARFIELD ∣ GILPIN ∣ GRAND ∣ GUNNISON ∣ HINSDALE ∣ HUERFANO ∣ JACKSON ∣ JEFFERSON ∣ KIT CARSON ∣ KIOWA ∣ LAS ANIMAS ∣ LAKE ∣ LARIMER ∣ LINCOLN ∣ LOGAN ∣ LA PLATA ∣ MESA ∣ MORGAN ∣ MINERAL ∣ MOFFATT ∣ MONTROSE ∣ MONTEZUMA ∣ OTERO ∣ OURAY ∣ PARK ∣ PHILLIPS ∣ PITKIN ∣ PROWERS ∣ PUEBLO ∣ RIO BLANCO ∣ RIO GRANDE ∣ ROUTT ∣ SAGUACHE ∣ SEDGWICK ∣ SAN JUAN ∣ SAN MIGUEL ∣ SUMMIT ∣ TELLER ∣ WASHINGTON ∣ WELD ∣ YUMA

Colorado Genealogy: State and Local Records

When tracking an ancestor's life, it is important to locate vital records. Sometimes, it is as easy as searching an online database, and sometimes, it can be harder. If you have located an ancestor who lived in Wisconsin during its early statehood, it would be a good idea to contact the local historical and genealogical societies to see what type of information they may have. Locating records at the local level can be more precise and provide more information than those at the national level. Here are some places you may want to begin your search for local records:

  • County Clerk’s Office: Contacting the county clerk, can help you find some land records, court documents, and other interesting documents that will give you a deeper look into your ancestor’s life.
  • Local Library: What were the newspapers during that time period? Most libraries have microfilm that will allow you to read what was going on during your ancestor’s life. Many libraries also have obituary collections.
  • Local Genealogical Societies: Most counties have their own historical society and genealogical societies. It is quite possible that someone has come before you and done much of the research and has wrote it down. If that is the case, then a local genealogical society would have that document.
  • Local Cemeteries: Finding the grave of your ancestor can also give additional clues.

An individual doing Colorado genealogy research needs to consider the history of the state, the 67 counties, and the individual cities. Over the course of time, counties have merged, split up, and changed names, which can cause some confusion with the records. However, folks from Colorado our proud of their history and where they come from, which has preserved many important records.

Colorado Genealogy: Online Resources

Here is a list of free and paid resources to track your Wisconsin ancestor. Don’t forget to check out some of the national parks I have listed, as they have been preserved by the government and may have records that you would not think about.

Colorado Libraries, Museums, and National Parks