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.

By Car from Downtown Denver

Broadway south to Eighth Avenue; Eighth west to Kalamath Street; Kalamath south to U.S. Highway 6 (West Sixth Avenue); U.S. Highway 6 west about 5 miles to Kipling Street. The facility is at West Sixth Avenue and Kipling Street. Go south on Kipling 1/2 mile to Gate 1 of the Denver Federal Center. A photo ID (driver's license) is required to enter. Inside the center, take Main Street to Fifth; go north on Fifth to just before North Avenue. Building 48, the main NARA building, is the last building on the right. Use the north entrance. Building 46, for microfilm research, is directly behind and to the south of Building 48, at Fifth Street and Center Avenue. Visitor parking areas are northwest and east of the Building 48.

By Public Transportation

Call Regional Transportation District, 303-299-6000, for route and schedule information. From Denver International Airport a commercial shuttle bus on the upper level transports travelers to the Denver Federal Center and to local hotels.