Marshall County Researchers, For those of you requesting "lookups" for the 1790 Virginia and Pennsylvania census here is some background on this "first census of the United States." The 1790 census was the first enumeration of United States inhabitants, covering 17 present states. Enumerators compiled, then stored these records in Washington. Data on 6 states, including Virginia, were destroyed when the British burned the Capitol in 1812. At the time of this census, the Union consisted of 12 states, Rhode Island being admitted in 1790. The present state, Kentucky, was included in the Virginia census. Similarly Maine, Alabama, and Mississippi records are included in other states. Of course, West Virginia at that time was officially a part of Virginia. Pennsylvania's census is largely intact. It is organized by counties that existed in Pennsylvania in 1790. Pennsylvania's officially enumerated population of 434,373 was second in size to the much larger Virginia (747,610). Virginia's 1790 census has been partially restored subsequent to the 1812 fire. By compiling some manuscript lists of Virginia enumerations made in 1782, 1783, 1784, and 1785 - plus the tax lists of Greenbrier County from 1783 to 1786 - officials have partially restored the 1790 Virginia census. 370,000 inhabitants in 39 counties exist in the 1790 Virginia Census. 377,000 inhabitants in 41 counties are not included. Also included is an enumeration list for the city of Richmond. The 1790 census is by "Heads of Families." Data included in this census lists: Name of the Head of the Family Number of free white males of 16 years age and upwards, including the head of the family. Number of free white males under 16 years age. Number of free white females of 16 years age and upwards, including the head of the family. Number of all other free persons. Number of slaves. Hope this information on the 1790 census helps in your search. KC *************************************************************************** Kim Chambers Voice:  (860) 486-6676 Fax:     (860) 486-1410 E-mail:  [email protected] Address:  U-5RC Homer Babbage Library                369 Fairfield Road                University of Connecticut                Storrs, CT    06268