Map Guide to the U. S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920

by William Thorndale, William Dollarhide, William Thorndale, William; Dollarhide

The county has always been used as the basic Federal census unit. Genealogical research in the census, therefore, begins with identifying the correct county jurisdictions. This work shows all U.S. county boundaries from 1790 to 1920. On each of the nearly 400 maps the old county lines are superimposed over the modern ones to highlight the boundary changes at ten-year intervals. Also included are (1) a history of census growth; (2) the technical facts...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0806311886
• ISBN13: 9780806311883
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Genealogical Publishing Company
• Length: 445 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

How did I ever do without it?

There are very few reference books a genealogist really needs to own - most just end up collecting dust. This, however, is a rare gem.The book's premise is simple. It presents, in chronological order, maps of county borders by state, for each U.S. census year. The maps are clear, concise, and absolutely accurate. Notations of county formation dates and other significant events are icing on the cake.Not sure if great-great-uncle's farm was in Houston or Crawford county in 1860? Wondering if Youngtown fell in different counties during different years? Look no further. Any serious genealogist or social historian with an interest in 1800's North America will find themselves refering to this book again and again.

Essential key to finding your relatives in the Census

I spent a year looking for relatives in the U.S. (plus State) Census records. After awhile, I got stuck because I couldn't find certain relatives. Then, after taking a Genealogy class, this book was recommended by the teacher (who had 30+ years experience). This book shows how each county boundry line changed from one U.S. Census to another beginning in 1790 through 1920, for every county in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii). This book is an essential key for genealogy research because many relatives never moved but their county of residence may have changed from one census to another because of shifting county lines. Knowing where the county boundry lines were for a particular census can put you on the correct path to locating your relatives in the the county where they were counted. It did for me. This information can also be helpful for State census years, as it gives you a guide to the counties involved with shifting county boundries. With the information in this book, you can more easily find your relatives in the Census and save much time. I hestitated in purchasing it because of the price and there are so many genealogy books out there and I can't afford them all. However, I'm glad I did, because this book has saved me many hours of time and, of course, only you can determine how much your time is worth. As far as I know, this is the only book of its kind.

A must have for all Genealogists!

This book is used constantly, and as a source it is not replacable. There is no other book on the market that helps you figure out the county lines in the state you are researching. It aids in the total research of county to county, as these counties changed and more were added.

Great tool while surfing the net

Keep this book handy when using online databases to find census information. Many County Boundaries changed over time. Don't waste find looking in the wrong county. County maps for each state are clearly outlined and you can see the current county name in a different shade then the county name for each census year.

Excellent map source for county and state changes to 1920

This book is a excellent source of geographical information regarding the various county and state boundary changes form 1790 to 1920. The maps would be of benefit to both the historian and the genealogist. The maps are clear and easy to read. Comparison to the current county bounday is made for each census year. Non-populated counties are noted. I highly recommend this book for genealogists and anyone interested in the history or development of the USA or a particular state or county.Lorna Rust