1890 United States Census

1890 United States Census
United States Department of the Interior · Public domain · source
Title	1890 United States Census
Country	United States
Date	June 2, 1890
Total population	62,947,714
Percent change	25.5%
Most populous state	New York
Least populous state	Nevada

1890 United States Census was a landmark event in the history of the United States Census Bureau, conducted on June 2, 1890, under the supervision of Robert P. Porter, with the assistance of notable figures such as Francis Amasa Walker and Carroll D. Wright. The census aimed to gather data on the population, economy, and social demographics of the country, following the precedent set by the 1880 United States Census and building upon the work of earlier censuses, including the 1870 United States Census and the 1860 United States Census. The 1890 census was also influenced by the International Statistical Congress, which had been attended by prominent statisticians like William Farr and Adolphe Quetelet. The census played a crucial role in shaping the country's understanding of its population, with notable demographers like Josiah Charles Trent and John Shaw Billings contributing to its analysis.

● Introduction

The 1890 United States Census marked a significant milestone in the country's history, as it was the first census to use the newly developed Hollerith tabulator, invented by Herman Hollerith, which greatly improved the efficiency of data processing, allowing for the inclusion of more detailed information, such as data on immigration and urbanization. The census also built upon the work of earlier statisticians, including William Petty and Edmund Halley, who had laid the foundation for modern demographic analysis. The 1890 census was also notable for its use of punch cards, which were later adopted by other countries, including Canada and Australia. The census was conducted in conjunction with other notable events, such as the World's Columbian Exposition and the Dawes Act, which aimed to assimilate Native American tribes into mainstream society.

● Background

The 1890 United States Census was conducted during a period of significant social and economic change in the country, marked by the rise of industrialization and urbanization, as well as the decline of agriculture and rural life. The census was influenced by the work of notable economists, including Karl Marx and Alfred Marshall, who had written extensively on the topics of capitalism and labor. The census also drew upon the expertise of prominent sociologists, such as Émile Durkheim and Max Weber, who had studied the effects of modernization on society. The 1890 census was also shaped by the United States Constitution, specifically the requirement that a census be conducted every ten years, as mandated by Article I, Section 2.

● Data Collection

The data collection process for the 1890 United States Census was overseen by the United States Census Office, which was headed by Robert P. Porter and included notable figures such as John S. Billings and William C. Hunt. The census used a combination of enumerators and supervisors to collect data from households across the country, with the assistance of organizations like the American Statistical Association and the National Academy of Sciences. The census also relied on the work of earlier demographers, including Thomas Malthus and Adolphe Quetelet, who had developed methods for analyzing population data. The 1890 census included questions on topics such as age, sex, marital status, and occupation, as well as data on immigration and naturalization, which were analyzed by experts like Isaac A. Hourwich and Victor S. Clark.

● Significance and Findings

The 1890 United States Census revealed significant trends and patterns in the country's population, including the continued growth of urban areas, such as New York City and Chicago, and the decline of rural populations. The census also showed an increase in immigration from Europe, particularly from countries like Germany and Ireland, as well as a growing African American population in the Southern United States. The census was analyzed by notable demographers, including Walter F. Willcox and Alba M. Edwards, who wrote extensively on the topics of population growth and urbanization. The 1890 census also provided data on the economy, including information on industry and agriculture, which was used by economists like John Bates Clark and Thorstein Veblen.

● Destruction of Census Records

Tragically, the majority of the 1890 United States Census records were destroyed in a fire at the United States Commerce Department in 1921, which was investigated by the United States Congress and led to changes in the way census data was stored and preserved. The loss of these records has been lamented by historians and demographers, including Samuel P. Hays and Stephan Thernstrom, who have written extensively on the topic of historical preservation. Despite this loss, some records from the 1890 census have survived, including data from South Dakota and New Jersey, which have been analyzed by researchers like Kenneth M. Stampp and C. Vann Woodward.

● Legacy and Impact

The 1890 United States Census has had a lasting impact on the field of demography and statistics, with its use of innovative technologies like the Hollerith tabulator and punch cards. The census has also influenced the development of social science research, with its focus on urbanization and immigration. The 1890 census has been studied by notable scholars, including Daniel T. Rodgers and Nancy F. Cott, who have written extensively on the topics of American history and social change. The census remains an important part of the country's historical record, providing valuable insights into the lives of Americans during the late 19th century, and its legacy continues to be felt in the work of organizations like the United States Census Bureau and the National Archives and Records Administration. Category:United States Census