Historical Research

Original records

NARA's Rocky Mountain Region in Denver has more than 47,000 cubic feet of archival holdings open to the public for research. These holdings date from about 1860 to the 1980s, and include textual records, photographs, maps, and architectural drawings. They were created or received by the Federal courts and over 75 Federal agencies in Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

Among subjects of local interest are homesteading, Indian history, mining, reclamation, and the proceedings of the territorial courts.

The archival holdings are arranged by record group (abbreviated RG), a body of records from an agency or bureau, identified by an RG number. Selected finding aids, including a comprehensive guide, are available by mail and online. Research can be initiated in person, or by telephone, mail, or electronic mail. Individuals who wish to use archival holdings on-site will facilitate their research by calling before visiting.

Before using archival holdings, every researcher must obtain a researcher identification card. An applicant must show identification that includes a photograph, such as a driver's license, passport, or school or business identification card, and complete a short form giving name, address, telephone number, and brief description of the proposed research topic. A researcher ID card, valid for 3 years and renewable, is then issued. It must be presented during each research visit. The card cannot be issued in advance of your visit.

Microfilmed records

In addition to unique original records, the Denver facility has extensive holdings of National Archives microfilm publications. These publications reproduce basic documentation for the study of history, economics, public administration, political science, law, ethnology, genealogy, and other subjects. Included are records relating to U.S. diplomacy, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and Reconstruction, Native American-Government relations, westward expansion, and World War II.