Research Guides
U.S. Decennial Census: 1870
Decade by decade information about how to access and use U.S. Census reports.
About the 1860 census
Highlights
- 9th decennial census
- US population: 39,818,449 (revised count)
- Washington Territory population: 23,955
- First census taken after the 13th amendment abolished slavery and to fully record information on the Black population.
Questions asked
- Name
- Age
- Sex
- Race
- Occupation
- Value of real estate
- Value of personal estate
- Place of birth
- Whether parents were foreign born
- Month of birth if born within the year
- Month of marriage if married within the year
- School attendance
- Literacy
- Whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane or idiotic
- Male citizens 21 and over, and number of such persons denied the right to vote for other than rebellion
- Supplemental schedules for persons who died during the year, paupers, and prisoners
Coverage
Map of coverage of the 1870 census.
For more information, see Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790 - 1920 available in print via UW Libraries.
Population Schedules
Census population schedules (or "name schedules" or "manuscript census") are copies of the original questionnaires collected during each decennial census. They list the individual names and family information of the people enumerated. Unlike the statistics published soon after the census, the population schedules remain confidential for 72 years. 1950 is the most recent population schedule available.
- Population schedules of the ninth census of the United States, 1870
Online via Internet Archive - 1870 United States Federal Census Search Database
Online via Ancestry Library (only available with UW NetID)
Statistics
- The statistics of the population of the United States
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - The vital statistics of the population of the United States
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - The statistics of the wealth and industry of the United States
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - A compendium of the ninth census
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - The statistics of the population of the United States
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - Statistical Atlas of the United States
Online via American Memory - Reports online from the Census Bureau
Click on the desired year.
More Information from the US Census Bureau
- Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses From 1790 to 2000A 140-page report released in 2002 detailing the evolution and history of the census questionnaire from its inception in 1790 to 2000.
- Through the DecadesAn overview of the census from 1790 to 2010 that includes the history of census legislation, efforts to improve the count, and the technical innovations introduced to improve data collection, processing, and publication.
- Decennial Census by DecadeDetails events surrounding the decennial census. Click on the desired year.
Census Compilations
- List of Census CompilationsCensus compilations usually cover large areas and can be very useful when comparing statistics over time.
Guides and Documentation
Data Sources
- List of Raw Data SourcesRaw data files are intended to be loaded into statistical software for analysis and table creation. In some cases these files can be used with spreadsheet software as well.
- Social Explorer
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Maps and reports based on U.S. Census and other data sources, 1790 to present. - Explore Census DataPopulation, housing, economic and geographic information from a variety of surveys.
Contact
Need help? Call the Government Publications, Maps, Microforms & Newspapers help desk at (206) 543-4164 during desk hours. You can also consult the 24/7 Ask Us! reference service.