In 1790 George Washington signed into law an act which provides for the "enumeration of inhabitants." The census was originally designed as a simple counting of people (which did not include slaves or untaxed native americans). Its goal was to provide information on men eligible for military service.
The U.S. Federal census is taken every 10 years in years ending in zero. States also took census enumerations in years between the Federal censuses. These censuses were often taken for tax purposes and can provide a valuable source for the researcher.
Microfilmed census records can be found in several places.
Family History Centers (operated by the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints) are a great place to start. Microfilm of census enumerations can be rented for use on the premises from the main Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. Check your local phone directory for a Family History Center.
Good public libraries often have census books or film available or can get it for you through interlibarary loan. State census indexes are also sometimes available. County and State libraries likewise have collections which include census records.
The Federal Archives and Record Center makes available all federal Census records as well as many other records housed in he National Archives. You can write and request a list of available records or check the link to the National Archives Genealogical Page. Several companies not affiliated with Family History Centers or public libraries also make census records available to rent or purchase. Some sources are listed in Where to Use, Buy or Rent Census Records on the main page of this tutorial.
Census reports for through the year 1920 are currently available. More recent census enmumerations are not generally available because federal law states that the records shall remain private for 72 years. This proviso was intended to encourage truthful answers.
Microfilming of the 1930 census cannot begin until after 72 years has elapsed and microfilming can take 2 years or more. So don't look for the 1930 census until after 2004!
Next Page: The Census Taker or Sum Peepl Cant Spel.
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