Celebrating 250 Years of America

For 236 of America’s 250-year history, the census has measured our nation’s population. It has also tracked our values, interests, and changes in the way we live.

The framers of the Constitution tied apportionment of the U.S. House of Representatives to a once-a-decade population count, starting with the nation’s first census in 1790.

Join us as we explore how our nation has evolved with highlights from the 1790 Census, the 1830 Census, the 1920 Census, and the 1960 Census. 

➡️ The 1790 Census took 18 months to complete. The government did not provide forms to enumerators. They used any available paper and recorded all information by hand.