Primary source Investigation: Census Records

Every 10 years, since 1790, the United States has conducted a census, with the aim of recording every person living in the country at that time. These population statistics help to determine how the federal (national) government spends money and how many congressmen (and women) represent individual states. The census, beyond these practical purposes, provides a treasure trove of data about the way in which the country has grown and changed over time. 

Texas first appears in the United States Census in 1850, after joining as a state in 1845. You will notice on several census records that population growth is shown decade by decade for comparison’s sake. However, there is no information about Texas prior to 1850. 

This exercise will ask you to look at a variety of different census records – both overarching data about Travis County (where Austin is located) and the individual responses that document connection points to the Neill-Cochran House Museum historic site. In the process, you’ll have access to a snapshot in time at both a micro (this site) and macro (Travis County) levels.

You will need to access all of these US Census documents to complete the assignment. We recommend accessing the records online on a computer screen . We do not recommend printing the documents. The original Census pages were extremely large. If you print them on 8 1/2 x 11 in. paper, they will not be legible.