1880 United States Census: A Milestone in American Demographics
Conducted in June 1880, the tenth United States census serves as a critical snapshot of a nation in transition. Managed by the Census Office under the leadership of Superintendent Francis Amasa Walker, this census captured a period of rapid urban growth and social change, marking several historical firsts in how the U.S. government tracked its citizens.
One of the most significant social milestones of the 1880 census was the inclusion of women as enumerators—the officials responsible for collecting data from households—for the first time in American history.
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Key Facts
- Total Population: 50,189,209 (a 30.2% increase from 1870).
- Urban Milestone: New York City became the first U.S. city to record over one million residents.
- City Growth: The 20 most populous cities all exceeded 100,000 residents.
- Most Populous State: New York (5,082,871).
- Least Populous State: Nevada (62,266).
- Population Center: The mean center of the U.S. population was located in Boone County, Kentucky.
Data Collection and Schedules
The 1880 Census Act authorized five distinct schedules to capture a comprehensive view of American life. While four were completed by enumerators, the fifth relied on specialized agents.
Enumerator-Led Schedules
- Schedule 1 (Population): Focused on general demographic data, similar to previous efforts.
- Schedule 2 (Mortality): Tracked deaths and added new inquiries regarding marital status, parental birthplace, length of U.S. residence, and the location where diseases were contracted.
- Schedule 3 (Agriculture): Expanded to include detailed crop acreage, farm tenure, livestock counts, fertilizer purchases, and costs for fence maintenance.
- Schedule 5 (Manufacturing): Collected data on peak employment, daily working hours (varying by season), average wages for laborers and skilled mechanics, and machinery used.
Specialized Data Collection
Schedule 4 (Social Statistics) was handled by experts and special agents rather than general enumerators. This data was primarily gathered through correspondence with institutions providing care and treatment. These agents also researched valuation, taxation, religion, libraries, schools, and periodicals.
Additionally, special agents focused on specific industrial sectors, including shipbuilding, mining (coal and petroleum), fisheries, and the production of steel, iron, chemicals, salt, glass, and textiles (cotton, woolen, and silk).
Census Results and Impact
The 1880 census revealed a population of 50,189,209, representing a significant jump from the 38,555,983 people counted in 1870. These figures were essential for the apportionment of the 48th through 52nd sessions of the United States Congress.
| Category | Entity | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Most Populous State | New York | 5,082,871 |
| Least Populous State | Nevada | 62,266 |
| Largest City | New York City | 1,206,299 |
| Total U.S. Population | United States | 50,189,209 |
Technological Legacy and Data Availability
The processing of the 1880 data was notoriously slow, taking eight years to complete. This inefficiency led the Census Bureau to contract Herman Hollerith to develop a tabulating machine for the subsequent census, a move that revolutionized data processing. The 1880 census also led to the identification of the Alabama paradox, a mathematical anomaly in apportionment.
Today, the original enumeration sheets are preserved in state archives, libraries, and universities, with microfilm versions available via the National Archives and Records Administration. Digital microdata is accessible through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) and the National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Superintendent of the 1880 Census?
The Superintendent was Francis Amasa Walker.
What was unique about the enumerators in 1880?
The 1880 census was the first time that women were permitted to serve as enumerators.
Which city first surpassed one million residents?
New York City was the first city to record a population of over one million people.
Why was Herman Hollerith hired after this census?
Because the processing of the 1880 census data took eight years, the Bureau hired Hollerith to design a tabulating machine to speed up the process for the next census.
How much did the U.S. population grow between 1870 and 1880?
The population grew by 30.2%, increasing from 38,555,983 in 1870 to 50,189,209 in 1880.