For more info...
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Encyclopedia of the U.S. CensusThe history, politics, content, procedures, and uses of the decennial census of the American population. See the entry under "History of Decennial Censuses". Includes bibliography for each census through 2010.
Raw Data Files
These are computer files intended to be loaded into statistical software for analysis and creating your own tables. In some cases these files can be used with spreadsheet software as well.
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. 1930 is the most recent population schedule available.
- Ancestry.comonline access to population schedules, search by name, place, and other characteristics
Contact
Need help? Use the Ask-A-Librarian reference service, or call us at (847) 491-7656, during Research Assistance Desk hours.
To consult with a government information specialist by appointment, contact govinfo@northwestern.edu
About the 1860 Census
Highlights
- 8th decennial census
- US population: 31,443,321
- Illinois population: 1, 711,951
For more information:
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Population and Housing Items on the General Census Schedules 1790 - 2000Chart; from University of Michigan
Map Coverage of the 1860 Census
For more information:
Statistics of the 1860 Census
Multi-year census compilations (compare across years): These sources tend to include statistics for large geographic areas (e.g. states), but can be very useful when comparing statistics over time.
Digitized Data Sources
- National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS)
Hosted at the University of Minnesota, provides aggregate census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2014. Open access to data, although users must create an account. - Social Explorer - subscription database, access to NU-affiliated users only.
Includes Census data 1790-present along with other datasets on health, crime, and other topics. US emphasis but other national data is also available. Data can be mapped or data tables extracted.
Key publications:
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Print available in the Library |
Online access |
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Population of the United States in 1860 |
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Agriculture of the United States in 1860 |
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Manufactures of the United States in 1860 |
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Statistics of the United States in 1860 |
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Preliminary report on the Eighth Census, 1860 |
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Map showing, in five degrees of density, the distribution, within the territory east of the 100th Meridian, of the population of the United States, (excluding Indians not taxed) [electronic resource] : compiled from the returns of population at the Eighth census of the United States |