Factfinder for the Nation, History and Organization
Issued May 2000 actfinder CFF-4 for the Nation History and Organization Introduction The First U.S. Census—1790 complex. This meant that there had to be statistics to help people understand Factfinding is one of America’s oldest Shortly after George Washington what was happening and have a basis activities. In the early 1600s, a census became President, the first census was for planning. The content of the was taken in Virginia, and people were taken. It listed the head of household, decennial census changed accordingly. counted in nearly all of the British and counted (1) the number of free For example, the first inquiry on colonies that became the United States White males age 16 and over, and under manufactures was made in 1810; it at the time of the Revolutionary War. 16 (to measure how many men might concerned the quantity and value of (There also were censuses in other areas be available for military service), (2) the products. Questions on agriculture, of the country before they became number of free White females, all other mining, and fisheries were added in parts of the United States.) free persons (including any Indians who 1840; and in 1850, the census included paid taxes), and (3) how many slaves inquiries on social issues—taxation, Following independence, there was an there were. Compared with modern churches, pauperism, and crime. (Later almost immediate need for a census of censuses, this was a crude operation. in this booklet, we explore the inclusion the entire Nation. Both the number of The law required that the returns be of additional subjects and the seats each state was to have in the U.S.
[Show full text]