Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920

by William Thorndale, William Dollarhide

The county has always been used as the basic Federal census unit. Genealogical research in the census, therefore, begins with identifying the correct county jurisdictions. This work shows all U.S. county boundaries from 1790 to 1920. On each of the nearly 400 maps the old county lines are superimposed over the modern ones to highlight the boundary changes at ten-year intervals. Also included are (1) a history of census growth; (2) the technical facts about each census; (3) a discussion of census accuracy; (4) an essay on available sources for each state's old county lines; and (5) a statement with each map indicating which county census lines exist and which are lost. Then there is an index listing all present-day counties, plus nearly all defunct counties or counties later re-named. With each map there is data on boundary changes, notes about the census, and locality finding keys. There also are inset maps that clarify territorial lines, a state-by-state bibliography of sources, and an appendix outlining pitfalls in mapping county boundaries. The detail in this work is exhaustive and of such impeccable standards that there is little wonder why this award-winning publication is the number one tool in U.S. census research.

Genres: Reference, History, Maps

445 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Jerry Jares · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fairly-amazing book about the changes in the state and county boundary changes that took place between 1790 and 1920. The amazing part is -- the county lines are superimposed on the current county lines (in another color). Because the maps are updated every 10 years, the changes in the county lines are quite telling.

There are many books available to genealogists that tell of county changes; however, this book shows graphically those changes. It is staggering to note how much changed in our history in a mere 10 years.

Don't ignore the introduction and page notes. Alaska is the only state without counties. Why you might ask. The authors state that the extraction industrialists that wanted to mine Alaska's resources didn't want to pay for an extra layer of government. They did this by getting a law passed that Congress would have to approve the creation of any county in Alaska.

Little toss-away lines like this make this book a treasure-trove of unique facts.

[Janelle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the resource I needed.

[Donna]

This book continues to be my go-to source for working with the census.