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1870 United States Census

Imagine counting EVERYONE in the whole country! That's what the 1870 Census did!

Images

Old Department Of The Interior Seal

Old Department Of The Interior Seal

wikipedia
1870 Census Lindauer Weber 02
Dayton, Nevada with Carson City in Background
Neighborhood Surrounding Richard H. Chambers United States Court of Appeals, Pasadena, California
Neighborhood Surrounding Richard H. Chambers United States Court of Appeals, Pasadena, California
Neighborhood Surrounding Richard H. Chambers United States Court of Appeals, Pasadena, California
Neighborhood Surrounding Richard H. Chambers United States Court of Appeals, Pasadena, California
Downtown Pasadena, California
St. Andrew Church, Pasadena, California
Old Pasadena, Pasadena, California
Old Public Library, Memorial Park, Pasadena, California
12 Miles to the Turnoff to Hoh Rain Forest, Forks, Washington

Key Facts

Population
About 38.5 million people.
Area
Covered a large part of North America.
Main City
New York City was the largest.
Languages Spoken
Mostly English, but many other languages too.

Counting Every Kid and Grown-Up!

In 1870, people wanted to know exactly how many people lived in the United States. So, they sent out helpers to visit every house, farm, and town. They asked questions like 'How many people live here?' and 'What are their names?'. It was like a giant game of 'I Spy' for the whole country!

Where Did Everyone Live?

Back then, the United States was a much smaller place than it is today. Most people lived in towns and on farms, especially in the East. There were fewer cities, and the West was still very wild and new. Imagine if your town was the only one for miles and miles!

What Did They Do All Day?

People in 1870 did lots of different jobs. Many worked on farms, growing food. Others were builders, teachers, or shopkeepers. Some people worked in factories making things. It was a busy time, and everyone had a role to play in making the country grow.

Learning and Growing!

Not everyone went to school in 1870. Many children had to help their families with work. But for those who did go to school, they learned reading, writing, and math. Schools were often small, with one teacher for many kids. Learning was super important for the future!

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 1870 United States Census?+
It was a big count of everyone in the country right after the Civil War. Enumerators visited each home to record details like age, race, job, and whether people could read and write.
How many people were counted in the 1870 Census?+
About 39 million people were counted, and more than 60,000 workers called enumerators went to homes to collect the information.
Why did the 1870 Census include information about African Americans?+
After slavery ended, the census recorded African Americans as free citizens to learn where they lived and how they were doing in the new society.
Where did most people live in 1870 and where were cities growing?+
Most people lived in rural areas in the South and Midwest, but cities like New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and Chicago were getting bigger as people moved west and more factories were built.
What did the census tell us about reading and writing in 1870?+
It showed that people in the Northeast and among white families were more likely to read and write, while many newly freed African Americans and people in rural areas had more trouble learning to read and write.
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