Colonial Censuses

When federal census records fall short or disappear altogether—such as the near-complete loss of the 1890 U.S. Census—state, territorial, and colonial censuses become invaluable tools for uncovering the lives of our ancestors. This comprehensive State Census Chart, originally published by Family Tree Magazine, provides a detailed inventory of extant (surviving) census records across every U.S. state and territory.

Whether you’re tracing family movements, confirming residency, or bridging the gaps between federal census years, this chart highlights where and when these lesser-known records were created. It also points to important substitutes like tax lists, poll books, and school censuses when formal enumerations are scarce. Use this guide as a cornerstone in your genealogical research to locate ancestors who might otherwise remain lost to history.