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History - Census & Demography

Compiled by:Gordon W. Miller
Liaison Librarian for History, Philosophy and Religion, Political Science
November 2002

Census information can be useful in a wide range of historical research and writing. Although Carrier Library's census holdings are inclined toward United States information other countries are noted. In the United States the Bureau of the Census is the major publisher of information useful to the historian. The most familiar program is the decennial census which started in 1790. Economic censuses are a second major compilation. These include areas as agriculture, business, construction, governments, manufacturing, mining, retail and wholesale trade, service industries, and transportation. The economic censuses are currently published in five year cycles in years ending in 2 and 7. Researching census information can be complex. This guide lists key sources, including locations for the major series, that are entry points for census research. For additional census possibilities consult the handout HISTORY - STATISTICS.

Table of Contents

Subject Headings - LEO

The following subject headings are examples useful in beginning census/demographic research in Carrier Library. For additional subject possibilities consult the Library of Congress Subject Headings volumes located near the online catalogs and at the Reference Desk.

Census Demography Population - History United States - Census United States - Population Also the same subheadings under: (Country) (State) (County/Region) (City) A major author search would be: A/United States Bureau of the Census

General Guides

Herman, Edward. Locating United States Government Information: a Guide to Sources . 2nd ed. Buffalo, N.Y.: William S. Hein, 1997.
(Ref ZA 5055 U6 H47 1997).: Two area of interest for the census researcher are: pages 147-168, "Locating federal statistics," and pages 169-184, "Census information."
Morehead, Joe. Introduction to United States Government Information Sources. 6th ed. Littleton, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 1999.
(Ref ZA 5055 U6 M67 1999).: Chapter 10 entitled " Statistical Sources" includes information on the United States census.
United States. Library of Congress. National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections . Washington, D. C.: Library of Congress. 1959- 1993. annual.
(Biblio Z 6620 U5 N3).: Useful for locating primary source material at repositories throughout the United States. Entries provide size of collection, access restriction, finding aids, etc.
United States. National Archives and Records Administration. Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States. Washington, D. C.: The Archives, 1995 3 vol.
(Ref CD 3026 1995).: Brief descriptions of the record groups available in the National Archives. Useful in determining the general categories of primary source material, including census records. Also available on the Internet @ National Archives Guide.
United States. National Historical Publications and Records Commission. Directory of Archives and Manuscript Repositories. Washington, D. C.: National Archives and Records Service, 1988.
(Ref CD 3020 U54 1988).: An update, and companion, to the Hamer guide (below). Arranged by state and city. Each repository entry notes access, size of collection, finding aids, etc.
United States. National Historical Publications Commission. A Guide to Archives and Manuscripts in the United States. New Haven, Conn. Yale University, 1961.
(Ref CD 3022 A45).: The guide is arranged by repository within states and cities. Detailed descriptions furnish an overview for each repository. Generally cited as "Hamer."
Willigan, J. Dennis. Sources and Methods of Historical Demography. New York: Academic Press, 1982.
(HB 849.4 W54 1982).: Scholarly presentation of methodology and sources for demographic research. Chapters include topics on prehistoric sources, parish registers, censuses, genealogies, computer simulation, etc.

Census Guides and Catalogs

Anderson, Margo J., ed. Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, 2000.
(Ref HA 37 U55 C66 2000).: The main portion of this title is arranged alphabetically with encyclopedic entries on a wide range of historical and current topics on the census. Each entry is enhanced with a bibliography. A number of appendices include such information as census leadership from 1850-2000, population and land area for each census, the center of population by census, Congressional apportionment by census, percentage of the House of Representatives for each state by census, the several methods of Congressional apportionment determination, growth of the decennial cenus 1790-1990, the cost of taking the census from 1790-1990, the questions used on the 2000 census, standards for the classification of federal data on race and ethnicity, the census on the Internet, and a glossary.
Cook, Kevin L. Dubester's U.S. Census Bibliography with SuDocs Class Numbers and Indexes . Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 1996.
(Ref HA 214 C66 1996).: Cook reprints Dubester's original bibliography of census documents covering 1790-1945. To this he added a supplement of additional census titles. Indexes by title, series, and SuDoc number are included.
Goyer, Doreen S. The Handbook of National Population Censuses: Europe. New York: Greenwood, 1992.
(Ref HA 37 E93 G69 1992).: Arranged by country or other geographic unit, e.g. Gibraltrar, this handbook discusses census taking historically. Brief bibliographies. Appendices look at topics as age, income, etc.
Hamilton, Ann B. Researcher's Guide to United States Census Availability, 1790-1920 . 2nd ed. Bowie, Md.: Heritage Books, 1992.
(Ref CS 49 H36 1992).: Arranged by state and county. This guide notes, by decennial census, if the census is available and if not how it likely was lost.
Kemp, Thomas J. The American Census Handbook. Wilmington, Del.: Scholarly Resources, 2001.
(Ref CS 49 K4 2001).: This book acts as a guide to census indexes. The main arrangement is by state. For each state the first citations for that state as a whole. This is followed by listings, by census date. Following the state listings is a military and ethnic group category. Web sites are included in the citations.
Lainhart, Ann S. State Census Records. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1992.
(Ref CS 68 L35 1992).: This guide is arranged by state. Available information includes available censuses and their location.
National Archives Trust Fund. Federal Population Censuses, 1790-1890: A Catalog of Microfilm Copies of the Schedules. Washington, D.C.: The Archives, 1979.
(Ref HA 215 N372).: This guide lists the microfilm numbers of the various decennial census schedules. Useful in determining the microfilm roll(s) needed for viewing or for interlibrary usage. A 1900 guide is @ Ref HA 215 N371. A 1910 guide is @ Ref HA 215 1910 N38 1996. A 1920 guide is @ Ref HA 215 N3712 1991.
Schulze, Suzanne. Population Information in Nineteenth Century Census Volumes. Phoenix, Ariz.: Oryx, 1983.
(Ref HA 215 S38 P6 1983).: Comprehensive coverage for the 1790-1890 decennial censuses including economic information. Valuable to the historical researcher for its precise listing of volumes which assist in location for interlibrary loan purposes. The end pages serve as a guide to the Dubester numbering system (the standard identification for all United States census publications from 1790-1945). Additional material includes a glossary of census terms, historical maps portraying the various decennials, and Serial Set volumes that contain census data. Companion volumes for 1900-1940 (Ref HA 215 S38 P62 1985) and for 1950-1980 (Ref HA 215 S38 P63 1988) complete this set.
United States. Bureau of the Census. Catalog of United States Census Publications, 1790-1972. Washington, D. C.: The Bureau, 1974.
(Ref HA 205 D82 1974).: Exhaustive listing of all census publications for the noted years. Annotated. Annual catalogs since 1972 are located in Government Documents @ C 3.163/3:. This publication includes Henry Dubester's definitive work "Catalog of United States Census Publications, 1790-1945." Each entry has a unique "Dubester" number used in citing the items.

Historical Census and Demography Reports and Statistics

Agricultural and Manufacturing Census for Fifteen States for the Years 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880.
(Microform Area. Microfilm no. 1057-1064).: Carrier Library has this for some Virginia counties. In all instances Rockingham County censuses are included.
Alterman, Hyman. Counting the People: the Census in History. New York: Harcourt, Brace, and World, 1969.
(HA 36 A5).: Discussion of census taking from earliest records to the present day. United States censuses are included.
Anderson, Margo J. The American Census: a Social History. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University, 1988.
(HA 37 U55 A53 1988).: A scholarly study arranged in chronological chapters. Anderson looks at the problems that census taking has encountered, e.g. unemployment and the Great Depression. Excellent bibliographical essay.
Andriot, John L. Population Abstract of the United States. McLean, Va.: Andriot Associates, 1983. 2 vol.
(Ref HA 202 A686 1983).: Historical census coverage from 1790 to 1980 by state, county, and cities of 10,000 or more. The second volume has a name (geographic) index and rank tables. The rank tables are for the 1980 census.
Bogue, Donald J. The Population of the United States: Historical Trends and Future Projections. New York: Free Press, 1985.
(Ref HB 3505 B63 1985).: Narrative, with statistical tables. Chapters discuss topics such as school enrollment, mortality, etc. Scholarly. Includes bibliographies.
Demographic Yearbook: Historical Supplement. New York: United Nations, 1979.
(Ref HA 17 D45 1978 supp.): Statistical summary of United Nations generated statistics for 1948-1978.
Dodd, Donald B., comp. Historical Statistics of the States of the United States: Two Centuries of the Census, 1790-1990.Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1993.
(Ref HA 214 D63 1993).: A listing of major statistical compilations by state. Population, agriculture, and manufacturing are highlighted. Appendices include historical population of major cities, state admission dates with current land area, and a glossary.
The 1851 Census a National Sample of the Enumerators' Returns. Alexandria, Va.: Chadwyck-Healey, 1987.
(Media Resources. Microfiche).: Census information on the "first great national census" in Great Britain. 400,000 individuals are sampled in the series.
Gerhan, David R., ed. A Retrospective Bibliography of American Demographic History From Colonial Times to 1983. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1989.
(Ref HB 3505 G4 1989).: Over 8000 citations to journal articles and books are contained in this bibliography of historical demography. Sections include general historical demography, marrige and fertility, health and death, migration, family studies, and a final chapter on population, society, etc. A supplement of ca. 8800 citations covering publication from 1984-1994 is @ Ref HB 3505 G438 1995.
Greene, Evarts B. American Population Before the Federal Census of 1790. Gloucester, Mass: Peter Smith, 1966 reprint of the 1932 ed.
(Ref HB 3505 G7 1966).: Following general population estimates the book is arranged by colony, region, and Indians. Information provided is keyed to a lengthy bibliography of primary and printed sources.
Hill, Joseph A. "The Historical Value of the Census Records." in American Historical Association. Annual Report. 1908, vol. 1, page 197-208.
(E 172 A60 1908 v.1).: Overview of the United States census and its value to the historian.
Hollingsworth, T. H. Historical Demography. Ithaca, N. Y.: Cornell University, 1969.
(HB 881 H625).: Scholarly study from the earliest censuses. International in coverage. One chapter discusses the limits of historical demographic research. Appendix topics are stable populations, demography of the plague, and replacement rates in medieval England.
Lee, Ronald E., ed. Population Patterns in the Past. New York: Academic Press, 1977.
(HB 849 P684).: Essays, with worldwide coverage, are included in this scholarly study. Examples of areas/times covered include Lower Saxony (1689-1766), Japan (18th-19th centuries), and the United States since the Civil War. A final chapter discusses methods and models for analyzing historical series of births, deaths, and marriages.
Mitchell, Brian. British Historical Statistics. New York: Cambridge University, 1988.
(Ref HA 1134 M58 1988).: Scholarly presentation in sixteen topical chapters. Some statistics go back to the Middle Ages.
Mitchell, [Brian] R.International Historical Statistics: Europe, 1750-1993. 4th ed. New York: Stockton Press, 1998. (Ref HA 1107 M5 1998).: Arranged in topical chapters. Most of the statistical series begin in the 19th century.
Mitchell, [Brian] R. International Historical Statistics: Africa and Asia & Oceania, 1750-1993. 3rd ed. New York: Stockton Press, 1998.
(Ref HA 4675 M552 1998).: Coverage begins ca. early nineteenth century. Arrangement is by broad subject categories.
Mitchell, [Brian] R. International Historical Statistics: the Americas1750-1993. . New York: Stockton Press, 1998.
(Ref HA 175 M55 1998).: Coverage is ca. mid-nineteenth century to 1970. Arranged into eleven chapters with a subject approach.
United States. Bureau of Labor. The History and Growth of the United States Census... . Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1900.
(Media Resources LAC 13438): Indepth analysis of the first twelve census enumerations. Following a sketch of the Colonial population there is a historical review of each decennial census. Final chapters look at the condition of the records and the growth in census inquiries.
United States. Bureau of the Census. A Century of Population Growth, from the First Census of the United States to the Twelfth, 1790-1900. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing. 1969 reprint of the 1909 ed.
(Ref HA 195 A5 1969).: Statistical tables with narrative. A strength of the work is the emphasis given to population demographics in 1790 and the changes made through 1900. Chapter topics include population of counties and their subdivisions, analysis of the family, surnames of the white population in 1790, interstate migration, and statistics of slaves. Also @ LAC 16232.
United States. Bureau of the Census. Heads of Families at the First Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1790: (state). Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing. 1965-1966 reprint of the 1907-1908 ed.
(Each title cataloged separately).: Individual volumes for each state. The Virginia volume is the original edition. The Virginia volume uses state censuses for 1782-1785 since the 1790 information was destroyed. Indexed. A separate three volume census of Virginia entitled The 1787 Census of Virginia is @ Ref F 225 Y36 1987.
United States. Bureau of the Census. Historical Statistics of the United States, Colonial Times to 1970. Bicentennial ed. Washington, D. C.: The Bureau, 1975. 2 vol.
(Ref HA 202 A385 1975).: Includes over 12,000 time series with some statistics back to ca. 1610. Useful especially for its handling of Colonial information.
United States. Bureau of the Census.Population of States and Counties of the United States: 1790-1990. Washington, D.C.: The Bureau, 1996. (Gov Doc C3.2:P81/26): Arranged by state this source gives the state, and county, decennial census total from 1790 through 1990.
United States. Bureau of the Census. Statistical Abstract of the United States. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1878- . annual.
(Ref HA 202 A35).: The single standard source for all types of American statistics including the census since 1878. Carrier Library holdings for 1878-1955 are on microfiche.
United States. Bureau of the Census. Twenty Censuses: Population and Housing Questions, 1790-1980. Washington, D. C.: The Bureau, 1979.
(Gov Doc C 3.2:C33/33).: Each decennial census is discussed individually. Examples of the schedules are provided. Instructions given to the census takers are furnished.
United States. Bureau of the Census. 200 Years of U.S. Census Taking: Population and Housing Questions, 1790-1990. Washington, D. C.: The Bureau, 1989.
(Gov Doc C 3.2:T93).: Following an overview of the census and how it has been taken there are sections for each decennial. Sample pages, questions asked, and instructions on filling in the schedules are included.
United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Governmental Affairs. The Decennial Census: an Analysis and Review. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1980.
(Gov Doc Y 4.G74/9:C33/3).: Scholarly compilation with historical and contemporary writings. The discussion includes such topics as effect on Federal aid, census error, and confidentially of records. Comprehensive annotated bibliography.
United States. General Accounting Office. Decennial Census: Overview of Historical Census Issues. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1998.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. GA 1.13:GGD-98-103).: This report was written as background information for development of the2000 census enumberation. Historical aspects of census taking are highlighted.
Vinovskis, Maris A. Studies in American Historical Demography. New York: Academic Press, 1979.
(HB 3505 S79).: Scholarly essays on pre-twentieth century American demography.
Virginia in 1720:A Reconstructed Census. Miami Beach, Fla.: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1998.
(Ref F 225 V53 1998).: The format for this title mirrors the publications for 1740 and 1760 noted just below.
Virginia in 1740: A Reconstructed Census. Miami Beach, Fla.: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1992.
(Ref F 230 V57 1992).: Over 25,000 names in 131 reference sources are listed. Deeds, wills, tax lists, order books, etc. were used in the reconstructing process.
Virginia in 1760: A Reconstructed Census. Miami Beach, Fla.: T.L.C. Genealogy, 1996.
(Ref F 225 V873 1996.: Over 46,000 names from 89 reference sources are listed. The sources are the same as in the 1740 source (first entry above).
Zitter, Meyer. "Census Bureau International Programs." American Demographics 4 (February 1982):29-33.
(Periodical).: The International Demographic Data Center at the Bureau of the Census is featured. The article contains a table listing the published services that are available.

Historical Atlases

Historical atlases can furnish information for census and demographic research. The following titles are representative of atlases in Carrier Library.

Lord, Clifford L. Historical Atlas of the United States. rev. ed. New York, Henry Holt, 1953.(Ref G 1201 S1 L6 1953).: Maps are furnished that contain population density and foreign born population.
Martis, Kenneth C. The Historical Atlas of State Power in Congress, 1790-1990. Washington, D.C.: Congressional Quarterly, 1993.
(Ref G 1201 F7 M3 1993).: Arranged by decennial year. The atlas provides graphs and maps demonstrating Congressional gains and losses by state.
McEvedy, Colin. Atlas of World Population History. New York: Facts on File, 1978.
(Ref HB 851 M32).: Arranged by country and/or area this atlas includes maps, graphs charting population historically, summary of population growth or change, notes on minorities, and a bibliography.
Paullin, Charles O. Atlas of the Historical Geography of the United States. Washington, D. C.: Published Jointly by the Carnegie Institution of Washington and the American Geographical Society of New York, 1932.
(Ref G 3701 S1 P3).: A classic atlas considered the first scholarly work produced in this country. Various maps show census and demographic features.
The Times History of the World. New [5th] ed. London: Times Books, 1999.
(Ref G 1030 T54 1999).: A leading world atlas that includes census and demographic information.

Decennial Census - Population

Carrier Library has access to decennial census information in the following listed titles. For early census statistics also use the CIS U.S. Serial Set Index (Ref Z 1223 Z9 C65 1975). The subjects of Census and Population will be most useful. For more recent censuses, e.g. 1970 - 2000, additional series are available. For census's that are in a series some titles here will include more than population, e.g. the entry in 1810 under Tench Coxe which is the first major manufacturing census for the United States. This section is arranged by decennial and not alphabetically. Several Rockingham County census compilations are included here.

United States. Census Office. Return of the whole number of Persons Within the Several Districts of the United States, Acccording to "An Act for the Enumberation of the Inhabitants of the United States," Passed March the First, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-One. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1791 ed. (HA 201 1790 C45 1990).

United States. Census Office. Return of the Whole Number of Persons Within the Several Districts of the United States, According to "An Act Providing for the Second Census or Enumberation of the Inhabitants of the United States," Passed February the Twenty Eighth, One Thousand Eight Hundred. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the [1801] ed. (HA 201 1800 C45 1990).

United States. Census Office. Aggregate Amount of Each Description of Persons Within the United States of America, and the Terroritories Thereof, Agreeably to actual Enumeration Made According to Law, in the Year 1810. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1811 ed. (HA 201 1810 C45 1990 v.1).

Coxe, Tench. A Statement of the Arts and Manufactures of the United States of America, for the Year 1810.... New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1814 ed.
(HA 201 1810 C45 1990 v. 2).

Also available in the Library of American Civilization microfiche series @ LAC 10093.

1810 Census of Rockingham County, Virginia. Beverly, W. Va.: Crickard, 1970.
(Sp Coll F 232 R7 U5 1970).

1810-1840 U.S. Census: Rockingham County, Virginia. [Wichita, Kan.: S-K Publications, 1987].
(Ref and Sp Coll F 232 R7 U5 1810,- 1840).

United States. Census Office. Census for 1820. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1821 ed.
(HA 201 1820 C45 1990 v. 1).

United States. Census Office. Digest of Accounts of Manufacturing Establishments in the United States and of Their Manufactures: Made Under Direction of the Secretary of State, in Pursuance of a Resolution of Congress, of 30th March, 1822. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1823 ed. (HA 201 1820 C45 1990 v. 2).

United States. Census Office. Fifth Census of Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States, 1830: to Which is Prefixed a Schedule of the Whole Number of Persons Within the Several Districts of the United States, Taken According to the Acts of 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1832 ed. (HA 201 1830 C45 1990).

United States. Census Office. Sixth Census or Enumberation of the Inhabitants of the United States: as Corrected at the Department of State, in 1840. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1841 ed.
(HA 201 1840 C45 1990 v. 1).

United States. Census Office. Statistics of the United States of America, as Collected and Returned by the Marshals of the Several Judicial Districts, Under the Thirteenth Section of the Act for Taking the Sixth Census, Corrected at the Department of State, June 1, 1940. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1841 ed. (HA 201 1840 C45 1990 v. 2).

United States. Census Office. Compendium of the Enumberation of the Inhabitants and Statistics of the United States, as Obtained at the Department of State, from the Returns of the Sixth Census, by Counties and Principal Towns, Exhibiting the Population, Wealth, and Resources of the Country, with Tables of Apportionment .../ Prepared at the Department of State. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1841 ed. (HA 201 1840 C45 1990 v. 3).

United States. Census Office. A Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary or Military Services, with Their Names, Ages, and Places of Residence, as Returned by the Marshals of the Several Judicial Districts, Under the Act for Taking the Sixth Census. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1841 ed. (HA 201 1840 C45 1990 v. 4).

United States. Census Office. The Seventh Census of the United States, 1850: Embracing a Statistical View of Each of the States and Territories .... New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1853 ed.
(HA 201 1850 C45 1990 v. 1).

Also available in the Serial Set (Gov Doc Microfiche) as House Miscellaneous Document, 32nd Congress, 2nd session. Serial no. 686.

United States. Census Office. Manufactures in the Several States and Territories for the Year Ending June 1, 1850: Abstract of the Statistics of Manufactures, According to the Returns of the Seventh Census, Condensed from the Digest Competed Under the Direction of the Secretary of the Interior, in Conformity with the First Section of the Act of June 12, 1858. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the [1950] ed. (HA 201 1850 C45 1990 v. 2).

Also available in the Serial Set (Gov Doc Microfiche) as Senate Executive Document, 35th Congress, 2nd session, no. 39. Serial no. 984.

United States. Census Office. Mortality Statistics of the Seventh Census of the United States, 1850: Embracing .... New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1855 ed.
(HA 201 1850 C45 1990 v. 3).

Also available in the Serial Set (Gov Doc Microfiche) as House Executive Document, 33rd Congress, 2nd session, no. 98. Serial no. 805.

United States. Census Office. Statistical View of the United States: Embracing its Territory, Population--White, Free Colored, and Slave--Moral and Social Condition, Industry, Property, and Revenue, the Detailed Statistics of Cities, Towns and Counties: Being a Compendium of the Seventh Census to Which are Added the Results of Every Previous Census, Beginning with 1790, in Comparative Tables, with Explanatory and Illustrative Notes, Based Upon the Schedules and Other Official Sources of Information. New York: Norman Ross, 1990 reprint of the 1854 ed. (HA 201 1850 C45 1990 v. 4).

1850 Rockingham County, Virginia: Free Population Census, Slave Census, Mortality Schedule, Social Statistics.
(Ref and Sp Coll F 232 R7 U5 1850a)

1850 U.S. Census, Rockingham County, Virginia. [Wichita, Kan.]: S-K Publications, 1987. 2 vol.
(Ref and Spec Coll F 232 R7 U5 1850).

United States. Census Office. Population of the United States in 1860; Compiled from the Original Returns the Eighth Census, Under the Direction of the Secretary of the Interior. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1864.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 38th Congress, 1st session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 85, vol. 5, Serial 1202).

Volume 1.

United States. Census Office. Agriculture of the United States in 1860; Compiled from the Original Returns of the Eighth Census, .... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1864.
Gov Doc Microfiche. 38th Congress, 1st session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 85, vol. 6, Serial 1203).

Volume 2.

United States. Census Office. Manufactures of the United States in 1860; Compiled from the Original Returns the Eighth Census, .... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1865.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 38th Congress, 1st session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 85, vol. 7, Serial 1204).

Volume 3.

United States. Census Office. Statistics of the United States, (Including Mortality, Property, etc.,) in 1860; Compiled from the Original Returns and Being the Final Exhibit the Eighth Census, ... . Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1866.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 38th Congress, 1st session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 85, vol. 8, Serial 1205).

Volume 4.

United States. Census Office. The Statistics of the Population of the United States, ... from the Original Returns of the Nineth Census .... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1872.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 42nd Congress, 1st session. House Miscellaneous Document no 43, vol. 2, Serial 1473).

Volume 1.

United States. Census Office. The Vital Statistics of the United States, ... from the Originial Returns of the Nineth Census .... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1872.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 42nd Congress, 1st session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 43, vol. 3, Serial 1474).

Volume 2.

United States. Census Office. The Statistics of the Wealth and Industry of the United States ... from the Original Returns of the Nineth Census .... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1872.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 42nd Congress, 1st session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 43, vol. 4, Serial 1475).

Volume 3.

United States. Census Office. A Compendium of the Nineth Census, (June 1, 1870)... . Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1872.
(HA 201 1870 C2).

Volume 4. Also available in Gov Doc Microfiche @ 42nd Congress, 1st session, House Miscellaneous Document 43, volume 5, Serial 1476.

United States. Bureau of the Census. Compendium of the Tenth Census. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1885. 2 vol.
(HA 201 1880 D2 1885).

Also available in Gov Doc Microfiche @ 47th Congress, 1st session, House Miscellaneous Document 64, Serial 2059.

United States. Bureau of the Census. Statistics of the Population of the United States at the Tenth Census (June 1, 1880), .... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1883.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 47th Congress, 2nd session. House Miscellaneous Document no 42, Serial 2129).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Report on the Manufacturers of the United States at the Tenth Census (June 1, 1880), .... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1883.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 47th Congress, 2nd session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 42, Serial 2130).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Report on the Productions of Agriculture as Returned at the Tenth Census (June 1, 1880), .... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1883.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 47th Congress, 2nd session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 42, Serial 2131).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Report on the Agencies of Transportation in the United States, Including the Statistics of Railroads, Steam Navigation, Canals, Telegraphs, and Telephones .... Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1883.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 47th Congress, 2nd session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 42, Serial 2132).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Report on the Mortality and Vital Statistics of the United States as Returned at the Tenth Census (June 1, 1880) . Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1885, 1886. 2 vol.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 47th Congress, 2nd session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 42, Serial 2140, 2141).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Report on the Social Statistics of Cities. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1886, 1887. 2 vol.
(Gov Doc Microfiche. 47th Congress, 2nd session. House Miscellaneous Document no. 42, Serial 2148-2149).

1880 United States Census and National Index. Salt Lake City: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2001.
(Ref Desk. CD-ROM)

This title encompasses the complete enumeration of the 1880 census. This is available on 56 CD-ROM's.

United States. Bureau of the Census. Eleventh Census of the United States: 1890. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1893-1896). 19 vol..
(HA 201 1890 B1).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1900. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1901-1902. 4 vol.
(HA 201 1900 A13).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Abstract of the Twelfth Census of the United States . Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1904.
(HA 201 1900 D2).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Thirteenth Census of the United States Taken in the Year 1910: Abstract of the Census. Statistics of Population, ... with Supplement for Virginia... . Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1913.
(HA 201 1910 A4).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Fourteenth Census of the United States. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1922-1925. 11 vol.
(Scattered call numbers).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Abstracts of the Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1923.
(HA 201 1920 A2).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of United States, 1930. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1930-1933. 10 vol.
(Scattered call numbers).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States: 1940 . Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1941-1942. 7 vol.
(Scattered call numbers).

United States. Bureau of the Census. United States Census of Population: 1950. U.S. Summary: Number of Inhabitants, Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, [1952].
(HA 201 1950 A2 v.1, chap.1).

United States. Bureau of the Census. United States Census of Population: 1950. U.S. Summary: General Characteristics. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, [1952].
(HA 201 1950 A2 v.2, pt.1B).

United States. Bureau of the Census. United States Census of Population: 1950: U.S. Summary: Detailed Characteristics. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, [1953].
(HA 201 1950 A2 v.2, pt.1C)

United States. Bureau of the Census. Census of Population: 1960; the Eighteenth Decennial Census of the United States. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1961- . 12 vol. (HA 201 1960 A456).

United States. Bureau of the Census. 1970 Census of Population. Washington, D. C. : Government Printing Office, 1972-1975.
(Ref HA 201 1970 A568).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Census of Population and Housing, 1970. Census Tracts. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1971.
(Ref HA 201 1970 A542 v.1).

United States. Bureau of the Census. 1980 Census of Population. Characteristics of the Population. Washington, D. C.: Bureau of the Census, 1982- .
(Ref HA 201 1980 A13 v.1).

United States. Bureau of the Census. Population of States and Counties of the United States: 1790-1990. Washington, D. C.: Bureau of the Census, 1996.
(Gov Doc C 3.2:P81/26).

A detailed presentation with introductions and background information.

Decennial Census- Housing

Housing census reports began with the 1940 decennial. Carrier Library has a few housing reports for 1950 and 1960. These series have a number of subtitles within the larger set. Later housing reports are available at:

United States. Bureau of the Census. 1970 Census of Housing. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1972- .
(HD 7293 A512 1970).
United States. Bureau of the Census. 1980 Census of Housing. Washington, D. C.: Bureau of the Census, 1982- .
(HD 7293 A515 1980).

Economic Cenuses

The Bureau of the Census currently takes the several economic censuses in years ending in 2 and 7. Historically these censuses were started at different times and were not originally taken every five years. For those titles available in Government Documents the Su Doc call number can have variations, e.g. the Census of Retail Trade is currently @ C 3.255:. Sub-series may be @ C3.255/5:, etc. The following economic census series have been received in Carrier Library. See also the section (above) under "Decennial Census - Population" for some economic censuses that are part of the regular decennial census.

Census of Agriculture
The first agriculture census was taken in 1840. It was part of the decennial census from 1840 through 1920. Beginning in 1925 it was taken every five years. From 1954 to 1969 it was taken in years ending in 4 and 9. Carrier Library holdings are @ HD 1753. The current census is in the reference collection .
Census of Business
This first appeared in 1929. It was followed by reports in 1933, 1935, 1939, 1948, 1954, 1958, 1963, and 1967. Since 1963 is has been taken in years ending in 2 and 7. Today this title does not exist. It has been replaced by census reports on retail trade, wholesale trade, etc. Carrier Library holdings are @ HF 3007 A5.
Census of Construction Industry
This was first taken in 1930. Later reports were taken in 1935, 1939, 1967, and then in years ending in 2 and 7. Carrier Library holdings are @: 1972 Gov Doc C 56.254: 1977- . Gov Doc C 3.245:
Census of Governments
This census was taken with the decennial census from 1850 through 1940. Beginning in 1957 it has been taken in years ending in 2 and 7. Carrier Library holdings are @: 1972 Gov Doc C 56.247/2: 1977- . Gov Doc C 3.145:
Census of Manufacturers
This census was taken with the decennial census from 1810 through 1940. It was then taken in 1947, 1958, and 1963. Beginning with the 1967 census it has been taken in years ending in 2 and 7. Carrier Library holdings are @: Pre - 1967 HD 9724 A4 1972 Gov Doc C 56.244: 1977- . Gov Doc C 3.24:
Census of Mineral Industries
This census has been taken with the decennial census from 1840 through 1940. Later censuses were in 1954, 1958, and 1963. Since then it has been taken in years ending in 2 and 7. Carrier Library holdings are @: 1977- . Gov Doc C 3.216:
Census of Retail Trade
This census has been taken periodically since 1929. Formerly it was a subsection of the Census of Business. It is now taken in years ending in 2 and 7. Carrier Library holdings are @: 1972 Gov Doc C 56.251/6: 1977- . Gov Doc C 3.255:
Census of Service Industries
This census was first taken in 1933. Later censuses were taken in 1935, 1939, and 1948. Since then it has been taken in years ending in 2 and 7. Carrier Library holdings are @: 1972 Gov Doc C 56.253: (title varies: Census of Selected Services Industries). 1977- . Gov Doc C 3.257:
Census of Transportation
From 1880 through 1926 there were a number of railroad and water transportation censuses. The census, as we know it today, began in 1963. Since 1967 it has been taken in years ending in 2 and 7. Carrier Library holdings are @: 1972 Gov Doc C 56.246/3: 1977- . Gov Doc C 3.233:
Census of Wholesale Trade
This census has been taken on an irregular basis beginning in 1929. Prior to that it was a subsection of the Census of Business. It is now taken in years ending in 2 and 7. Carrier Library holdings are @: 1972 Gov Doc C 56.252: 1977- . Gov Doc C 3. 256:

Databases and Article Indexes /Bibliographies

Below are links to a selection of electronic resources that are most useful for research concerning Census and Demography. Remember, however, that history encompasses many areas of endeavor (e.g., Education, Art, Economics), so you will wish to check all databases that cover your area and time period of interest. Click here for Research Resources Home, where you may browse for other useful resources.

America: History and Life. 1964- . CIS Annual. 1970- . Print index. Combined Retrospective Index to Journals in History, 1938-1974. Print index. CIS U.S. Serial Set Index. 1789-1969. (Ref Z 1223 Z9 C65 1975). This indexes the Serial Set. Print index. Family Tree Maker Census Index. Census indexes for decennial census's from 1790-1880 are available. GPO Monthly Catalog. 1976- . Historical Abstracts. 1955-1966 . Humanities Abstracts. 1974- . (print) (1984- as a database). Index to U. S. Government Periodicals. 1970-1978. Print index. International Index to Periodical Literature. 1907-1965. Print index. Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications. 1940- . (Gov Doc). Print index. Poole's Index to Periodical Literature. 1802-1906. Print index. Public Affairs Information Service. Bulletin. (PAIS). 1917-1921, 1923-1924, 1929- . (print). (1972- as a database) . Social Sciences and Humanities Index. 1965-1974. Print index. Social Sciences Citation Index. 1976-1986. Print index. Social Sciences Abstracts. 1974- . (print) (1983- as a database). U.S. Government Periodicals Index. 1992- . WorldCat. Catalog to most American library holdings. Writings on American History. 1902-1961. (Ref E 178 L331). Annual. Not published 1904-1905, 1941-1947. Cumulative index for 1902-1940. Print index.

Journals/Serials

The following journal titles are examples of sources available in Carrier Library having value for the historical researcher.

American Demographics. 1979- . Date Users News. 1976- . (Gov Doc C3.238:). Demographic Yearbook. 1948- . (Ref HA 17 D45). Demography. 1964- . Factfinder for the Nation. 1976- . (Gov Doc C 3.252:). Each issue of this irregularly published newsletter is on a specific topic. Several have especial interest for the historian including: 1) "History and Organization." May 1988. An overview of the decennial and economic censuses. 2) "Availability of Census Records about Individuals." February 1983. This notes what records on individuals are available and where to write for information. 3) "Reference Sources." October 1988. Guides and histories to using census materials. 4) "Census Bureau Programs and Products." May 1990. Journal of Family History. 1976- . Monthly Product Announcement. 1981- . (Gov Doc C 3.163/7:). Population Bulletin. 1945- . Population Index. 1966-1990. This is both an index and journal. Scholarly articles include historical topics.

Electronic Text Sources

Examples of electronic text sources are listed here.

Census: This site on the Carrier Library Home Page (CLHP) has a number of links to census sources. Much of the information is recent.
Historical Demographic, Economic, and Social Data for the United States, 1790-1860: Sponsored by Harvard University with data from the ICPSR (see below) this is a subset of census data at the state and county level. As of October 1996 it is not possible to download data to a statistical program.
Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR): A major statistical site that includes historical census data. This site is the guide only. The data would need to be obtained on campus.
IP'-UMS (Integrated Public Use Microdata Series): Twenty-three "high-precision samples" from U.S. decennial population census returns from 1850-1990 are available. This is a massive site with the guide along having ca. 800 pages. The samples would be downloaded to be manipulated.
Population: Another CLHP site with links to a number of population sources. Much of this is recent information.

This page is maintained by:Patricia Hardesty
Last reviewed: November 2002
© James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA