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

by William Thorndale (Author), William Dollarhide (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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 about each census; (3) a discussion of census accuracy; (4) an essay on available sources for each state's old county lines; and (5) a statement with each map indicating which county census lines exist and which are lost. Then there is an index listing all present-day counties, plus nearly all defunct counties or counties later re-named. With each map there is data on boundary changes, notes about the census, and locality finding keys. There also are inset maps that clarify territorial lines, a state-by-state bibliography of sources, and an appendix outlining pitfalls in mapping county boundaries. The detail in this work is exhaustive and of such impeccable standards that there is little wonder why this award-winning publication is the number one tool in U.S. census research.

Product Details

• Paperback: 445 pages
• Publisher: Genealogical Publishing Company; Second Printing 1988 edition (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806311886
• ISBN-13: 978-0806311883
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #278,651 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent map source for county and state changes to 1920, December 11, 1997

By	Allen L. Rust "mojeaux" (Wichita KS USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential key to finding your relatives in the Census, February 13, 2003

By	Fred "mrdata22" (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for all Genealogists!, November 10, 2001

By	Tamra Butler (USA) - See all my reviews

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.