The very first census of the United States was conducted on August 2, 1790. The census called for the name of the head of the family and the number of persons in each household of the following descriptions: Free White males of 16 years and upward (to assess the country's industrial and military potential), free White males under 16 years, free White females, all other free persons (by sex and color), and slaves.
The Constitution directs that there will be "an enumeration of inhabitants", and nothing more, but of course the census has evolved. Now we can learn much more than just the number of people who live in our country.
The study of census records is a gem of delight, especially for genealogists, statisticians, sociologists and social planners.
The web site contains extensive information grouped into people, business and industry, geography and subject. There is also a search query.
Information pertaining to prior census's may be found at the U. S. Census Bureau, whose link is found at the top of the page on the left.
Among the fascinating "gadgets" you will find are population clocks which change every minute. We are not alone.
Reviewer: C. A. M. L.
Key teaching element: History.
WAI Compliant
Copyright: 1986-2010