Garfield County

Garfield County Was Established

Named for former president James Garfield, Garfield County is a mountainous county in western Colorado. It is bordered to the north by Rio Blanco County, to the east by Routt and Eagle Counties, to the south by Pitkin County, and to the west by Mesa County. Garfield County has a population of 57,298. The county seat is the mountain resort city of Glenwood Springs, located at the confluence of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers. With a population of 9,614, it is also the county’s largest city. Other major towns include Rifle (pop. 9,172), Carbondale (6,427), and New Castle (4,518).

Garfield County is located in the scenic plateau and canyon country of western Colorado. Covering 3000 square miles, it is 110 miles long and extends to the Utah border. It was carved out of Summit County on February 10, 1883. In historical times, the earliest inhabitants were the Ute Indians, and the land was theirs by treaty until April 12, 1880, when they were removed to reservations after the "Meeker Massacre" of 1879. Although explorers, missionaries, miners, and a few settlers had already visited the area of Garfield County, the main influx of settlers began to arrive and towns were founded beginning in 1880.

Interstate 70, completed in 1992, follows the Colorado River through picturesque Glenwood Canyon, meeting state route 82 in Glenwood Springs. Route 82 enters the county from the southeast corner, following the Roaring Fork River out of Pitkin County. In addition to the hot springs at Glenwood Springs, Garfield County is known for its remote mountain scenery and its abundant energy resources.

I hope you find my efforts helpful in your research of Garfield County Colorado roots. I may be able to do additional research on your family as I live in Garfield County and do have direct access to records. I post everything I have for all to use.

Research Resources

Make sure you check the "Research Resources" section! There are books on line:  "The First 100 Years", helpful links, look up volunteers and local researchers to help you out.