> Could someone please explain the difference in State and Federal > Census to me. Was the State census taken in every state and how > often. I seem to only find Fedral Census when I go to the Library. > > iriscrall@att.net Iris - The Federal census was conducted every 10 years beginning in 1790. The years 1790 - 1930 are now available to be researched with the exception of 1890, almost all of which was damaged by a fire. The status of State Census returns varies. Many states conducted them, but not all were saved. There is a book called State Census Records, by Ann Lainhart that you might be able to find in your library. It discusses which states conducted a census, and where they might be located. You didn't mention the state you are interested in, but check that State's archives for more information, or the usgenweb pages at rootsweb. Lisa llepore@juno.com