The 1800 census was begun on 4 August 1800. The count was to be completed within nine months. States covered in this census are Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont.
Authorizing Legislation
An act of February 28, 1800 authorized the second census of the United States, which was to include the states and territories northwest of the Ohio River and Mississippi Territory. The census was to conclude within nine calendar months of its start.
The guidelines for the 1800 enumeration followed those of the first census, with only minor alterations in the law. John Marshall, secretary of state in 1800, was the nominal head of census operations. By early 1801, however, Marshall was chief justice of the Supreme Court. James Madison, his successor as secretary of state, oversaw the final tabulations and reported population totals to Congress and the president.
Enumeration
The questionnaire provided space to separately tally free white males and females in several age categories: under 10, 10 but under 15, 16 but under 25, 25 but under 45, and over 45. Indians, slaves, and free blacks were listed in single categories undivided into age groups.
- 1800 United States Federal Census
. – This database details those persons enumerated in the 1800 United States Federal Census, the Second Census of the United States. In addition, the names of those listed on the population schedule are linked to the actual images of the 1800 Federal Census. Enumerators of the 1800 census were asked to include the following categories in the census: name of head of household, number of free white males and females, number of other free persons except Indians, number of slaves, town or district and county of residence.
- View Sample from US 1800 Census of Cumberland County, NC
- Facts about the 1800 Census
- from Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources.
- Download Free US 1800 Census Extract Form
