The 1890 Census Fire

Have you heard that the 1890 census was destroyed by fire? Yep, that's right, but it may not be what you think. Follow the links and read the full story.

• The Fate of the 1890 Population Census, Part 1 -- "Even after the outcry in 1921, thirteen years later the Census Bureau destroyed the remaining 1890 schedules."
• The Fate of the 1890 Population Census, Part 2 -- "The tragedy of the 1890 census remains a constant reminder of the necessity for a vigorous National Archives and unrelenting vigilance about the historical record."
• The Fate of the 1890 Population Census, Part 3 (Notes) -- "There were four general schedules relating to the population, agriculture, manufactures, and mortality; eight supplemental schedules, for the defective, dependent, and delinquent classes; and a special schedule enumerating the survivors of the War of the Rebellion."