I've seen the enumerator's instructions (usually a spiral bound or stapled compilation which is donated to libraries), at my main branch library. I don't recall for which location that particular one was, but it was interesting. There may be similar online somewhere (I think I recall an Ancestry digest or RW review which pointed to some URLs). They describe how the individual enumerator covered their assigned area and which/how questions were asked and recorded. I would like to see the same (like the map you mention) for how the NARA compilers bundled the townships, or organized entire counties, and similar for how they were filmed by the LDS. I'm heading off to search that online at all the major info sites now, in hopes I'll find a definitive explanation. (crossing fingers) If I don't find one, I may email the sites and ask that same Q. I would like to check the Census-L list archives, but can't think of a good keyword to use for the query, which would be effective. Could be, I'll have to subscribe & pose the Q there. The words, "various, unknown, other" are my present nightmare! Di == In a message dated 02/2/7 6:42:24 PM, ddmmjm@netins.net writes: << ...<snip> census taker, a female school teacher who took two weeks to cover her area....there was a city map of the era, and it was marked with the route she took. Am wondering if there wouldn't be old city/town/area maps that could be had that would provide the information that would show the direction of the census takers' route. <snip>...>>