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First printing of the first Census Act...
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item # 703187
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March 10, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790
* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census
The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States".
This was the Census Act, creating the very first national census, an event that would happen every ten years to this day. Included within the lengthy text is the chart of who is to be counted, specifically: "Names of heads of families" "Free White Males of 16 years & upwards..." "Free White Males under sixteen years" "Free White Females..." "All other Free Persons" and "Slaves". The text notes that: "...omitting in such enumeration Indians not taxed & distinguishing free persons...". The act is signed in type by the President: George Washington, as well as the Vice President: John Adams.
All of pages 2, 3 and most of page 4 are taken up with discussions in "Congress, House of Representatives".
Four pages, very nice condition.
Note: The first newspaper printing of the Census Act of 1790 appeared in the Gazette of the United States, published in New York City on March 10, 1790. At that time, New York served as the nation's capital, and the Gazette functioned as the unofficial voice of the federal government, frequently being the first to publish new laws and official announcements.
This particular issue prominently featured "An Act Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States" on its front page. The act, signed into law by President George Washington on March 1, 1790, authorized the first decennial census of the United States.
The publication of the Census Act in the Gazette of the United States marked a significant moment in American history, laying the groundwork for the systematic collection of population data—a practice that continues every ten years to this day.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
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