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Table of Contents
The 1820 census kept the same age/gender categories as the previous two except for an added column breaking out males ages 16 to 18 (who were double-counted under males age 16 to 26). […] This census also asked for the number of “Foreigners not naturalized” and those engaged in agriculture, commerce and manufacture. Important for those with African American ancestors, 1820 was the first census to distinguish between slaves and “free colored,” who were enumerated by gender and age (to age 14, 14 to 26, 26 to 45, and 45 and up).
David Fryxell, “US Census Information Year-by-Year for Genealogists“
1820 Census Fast Facts
OFFICIAL
DATE
August 7
NUMBER OF
QUESTIONS
7
NUMBER OF
STATES
23
DECENNIAL
CENSUS NUMBER
4th
NOTABLE
QUESTIONS
Males 16-18
Naturalization status
Occupation
Slaves or “free colored”; gender and age
10 LARGEST CITIES
New York City, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Baltimore, MD
Boston town, MA
New Orleans, LA
Charleston, SC
Northern Liberties township, PA
Southwark district, PA
Washington, DC
Salem town, MA
1820 Census Form Image
1820 Census Questions
- The number of free white males and females aged, respectively:
– under 10 years of age
– of 10 years but under 16 years
– of 16 years but under 18 years (for males)
– of 16 years but under 26 years (for males)
– of 16 years but under 26 years (for females)
– of 26 years but under 45 years
– 45 years and upward - The number of male and female slaves aged, respectively:
– under 14 years of age
– of 14 years but under 26 years
– of 26 years but under 45 years
– 45 years and upwards - The number of free colored males and females aged, respectively:
– under 14 years of age
– of 14 years but under 26 years
– of 26 years but under 45 years
– 45 years and upwards - Number of foreigners not naturalized
- Number of persons (including slaves) engaged in agriculture, commerce, and manufactures
United States Census Bureau, Index of Questions: 1820
Where can I find the 1820 census?
How to Read the 1820 Census
[Breaking out males ages 16 to 18] can really narrow a birth year if you happen to have a male ancestor born about 1802 to 1804. Just keep in mind that all age questions were supposed to be answered as of the date the enumeration began: Aug. 7, 1820.
David Fryxell
1820 Census Research Resources
Websites
Census.gov
1820 Fast Facts
1820 Overview
1820 Index of Questions
Cyndi’s List
1820 U.S. Federal Census Online Records and Indexes
Family Tree Wiki
United States Census 1820
RootsWeb
1820 U.S. Census
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