U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government


end of header

History

You are here: Census.govHistoryFAQsGenealogy FAQs › Why can't I find 1890 census records?
Skip top of page navigation

Why can't I find 1890 census records?

Most of the 1890 census' population schedules were badly damaged by a fire in the Commerce Department Building in January 1921. Visit the Availability of 1890 Census Records Web page for more information.

1890 fire
A photo of the damage caused to censu records following the January 1921 fire.
Photo courtesy of the National Archives

Is this page helpful?
Thumbs Up Image Yes Thumbs Down Image No
NO THANKS
255 characters maximum 255 characters maximum reached
Thank you for your feedback.
Comments or suggestions?
Source: U.S. Census Bureau | Census History Staff | Last Revised: December 14, 2023