Discover the history of Weld County

Published on January 31, 2025

Take a look back in time by viewing the St. Vrain County Record Book! In 1859, Weld County didn’t exist, because the Colorado Territory wasn’t established yet. The first meeting notes are dated from Oct. 12, 1859, describing how livestock was claimed, the first table built for the clerk of the district court, the desire for a wagon road from Julesburg to Ft. Lupton, and so much more.

You can even view the scanned copy of the original book! Read through the St. Vrain County Record Book on our history site.

1. At the time, the Nebraska Territory encompassed areas of what today are Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Colorado and Montana. In 1861, the Colorado Territory was officially recognized, and shortly after, on Sept. 9, 1861, St. Vrain County was officially renamed Weld County.

    

2. View meeting minutes from the board of county commissioners where different positions, such as chairman, secretary, committee members and jurors were decided and how tax levies were determined.

    

3. Read and learn how people declared their cattle brands as well as their livestock. The book also explains how livestock trades occurred among residents.

    

4. Learn about the public land process upheld by residents and how different pieces of land ownership were decided and also sold to one another.

    

Read about the different ditch companies that were formed, such as the Platt Valley Ditch Company and how water was allocated.

For more information about the history of Weld County, visit our history site.

By Kristen Sigg, Communications Specialist