Sono stati fatti dei censimenti prima della ratifica della Costituzione; nei primi anni del 17° secolo, un censimento è stato fatto in [[Virginia]], e le persone sono state contate in quasi tutte le colonie britanniche che sono diventate poi gli [[Stati Uniti d'America]].
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For the first six censuses (1790–1840), enumerators recorded only the names of the heads of household and a general demographic accounting of the remaining members of the household. Beginning in 1850, all members of the household were named on the census. The first slave schedules were also completed in 1850, with the second (and last) in 1860. Censuses of the late 19th century also included agricultural and industrial schedules to gauge the productivity of the nation's economy. Mortality schedules (taken between 1850 and 1880) captured a snapshot of life spans and causes of death throughout the country.
