Research Guides
U.S. Decennial Census: 1860
Decade by decade information about how to access and use U.S. Census reports.
About the 1860 census
Highlights
- 8th decennial census
- US population: 31,443,321
- Washington Territory population: 11,594
Questions asked
- Number of dwelling home in order of visitation by the enumerator
- Number of family in order of visitation by the enumerator
- Name
- Age
- Sex
- Color (enumerators could mark "W" for Whites, "B" for Blacks, or "M" for Mulattos)
- Profession
- Occupation (or Trade) of each person, male and female, over 15 years of age
- Value of person's real estate
- Value of person's personal estate
- Place of birth (enumerator could list the state, territory, or country of the person's birth)
- Married within the last year?
- Did the person attend school within the last year?
- If the person was over 20 years of age, could he not read or write?
- Was the person deaf and dumb, blind, idiotic, pauper, or convict?
Coverage
Map of coverage of the 1860 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 eighth census of the United States, 1860
Online via Internet Archive - 1860 United States Federal Census Search Database
Online via Ancestry Library (only available with UW NetID) - 1860 United States Federal Census - Slave Schedules Search Database
Online via Ancestry Library (only available with UW NetID)
Statistics
Census statistical reports feature population and demographic data by state, county, and town for the 1860 census.
- Population of the United States in 1860
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - Agriculture of the United States in 1860
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - Manufactures of the United States in 1860
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - Statistics of the United States in 1860
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust - Preliminary Report of the Eighth Census
Print copy via UW Libraries
Online via HathiTrust
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
This link opens in a new window
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.