1840 Census of Population and Housing
The sixth census was governed by the same general provisions of law as in 1830. Under the provisions of an act of March 3, 1839 (and amended by an act of February 26, 1840), the enumeration began on June 1, 1840. Marshals were to receive two copies of the census receipts from enumerators by November 1, 1840, one of which was to be sent to the Secretary of State by December 1, 1840. No population questionnaire was prescribed by the Congressthe design of the questionnaire was left to the discretion of the Secretary of State, and closely followed that used in 1830. The law did specify the inquiries to be made of each household. (quoted from Census Bureau description)
For online access to the 1840 data, please go to the Historical Census browser.
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Publications for 1840 Census
Volume 1: Sixth Census or enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, as corrected at the Department of state, in 1840...
I 7.2: C 73/2 (GOVPUB US OVER)
EBD I705-1 (Microfiche, ask at the desk)
Volume 2: Statistics of the United States of America, as collected and returned by the marshals of the several judicial districts, under the thirteenth section of the act for taking the Sixth Census
EBD I705-2 (Microfiche, ask at the desk)
Online at Census Bureau PDF
or ZIP
Volume 3: Compendium of the Enumeration of the inhabitants and statistics of the United States, as obtained at the Department of State, from the returns of the Sixth Census...To which is added an abstract of each preceding census.
I 7.2: C73/1 (GOVPUB US OVER)
EBD I702-1 (Microfiche, ask at the desk)
Online at Census Bureau PDF
or ZIP
Volume 4: A census of pensioners for revolutionary or military services; with their names, ages, and places of residence, as returned by the marshals of the several districts...
I 7.5: 3 (GOVPUB US)
EBD I705-3 (Microfiche, ask at the desk)
Online at Census Bureau PDF
or ZIP
Report from the Secretary of State, transmitting, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, an abstract of the returns of the sixth census.
Serial Set 376, S.doc.32 (NORBASE) or online via U.S. Congressional Serial Set CU
Sixth census, by counties. Message from the President of the United States, transmitting a report and statement, from the Secretary of State, of the aggregate amount of each description of persons within the several districts of the United States.
Serial Set 402 (NORBASE) or online via U.S. Congressional Serial Set CU
Sixth census. Message from the President of the United States, transmitting a report from the Secretary of State, upon the subject of the law for taking the sixth census.
Serial Set 364 (NORBASE) or online via U.S. Congressional Serial Set CU
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