History

2020

The content of the U.S. Census Bureau's History Web site changes every month. If you missed a month or have been directed to the home page by an older link, visit the archived home pages below.

Archived pages contain the content, links, and photos featured in past home pages.

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Visit May 2020's archived History home page to learn more about the 40th anniversary of the May 18, 1980
eruption of Mount St. Helens.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey.January 2020: Prohibition

On January 16, 1920, in accordance with the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the National Prohibition Act (also known as the "Volstead Act") enforced the prohibition against the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States. For the next 13 years, halting the flow of illegal alcohol proved to be the bane of the nation's Prohibition agents but a boon for organized crime, speakeasies, and bootleggers. Learn more about Prohibition using census data and records.

February 2020: Hiram Rhodes Revels

On February 25, 1870, African Methodist Episcopal minister and Mississippi Republican politician Hiram Rhodes Revels became the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress. Elected by colleagues in the Mississippi state legislature to fill one of the state's vacant U.S. Senate seats, Revels had to overcome Democrats' bitter opposition to his arrival in Washington, DC. After successfully taking his seat in the Senate chamber, Revels supported legislation to end segregation, advance educational opportunities for Blacks, and heal the divided nation following the end of the American Civil War. Learn more about Revels and other African American legislators using census records and data.

March 2020: The Civilian Conservation Corps, 1933–1942

With the nation in the grips of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed establishing the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) 87 years ago, on March 21, 1933. One of the most successful of Roosevelt's "New Deal" programs, the CCC provided work, meals, shelter, uniforms, and a monthly wage for millions of unemployed, unmarried young men between 1933 and 1942. Learn more about the CCC and the Great Depression using census records and data.

April 2020: History of the Census

The 2020 Census is underway and April 1, 2020, is "Census Day!" Since the United States conducted its first census in 1790, the population of the United States has grown from 3.9 million to approximately 330 million people. With 230 years of collected data, our nation's censuses serve as a valuable historical record illustrating America's changes and growth. Learn more about the census using records and data.

May 2020: 1980 Mount St. Helens Eruption

On May 18, 1980, a massive eruption of Mount St. Helens devastated hundreds of square miles in Skamania and Cowlitz Counties, WA; killed 57 people; destroyed forests, lakes, highways, and homes; and spewed an estimated 550 million tons of ash into Earth's atmosphere. Despite the passage of 40 years, the scarred landscape surrounding the volcano remains a testament to the power of the May 18 eruption. Learn more about the the eruption and its aftermath using census data and records.

June 2020: The Statue of Liberty

On June 17, 1885, a ship loaded with crates containing parts to build the statue arrived in New York City's harbor. Designed by sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi with an iron skeleton built by Gustave Eiffel, the effigy—formally titled "The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World"—was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States. After its dedication on October 28, 1886, the sighting of the Statue of Liberty upon sailing into New York City's harbor brought relief to millions of weary immigrants. Today, the Statue of Liberty is recognized as a symbol of democracy and freedom throughout the world.

July 2020: The Manhattan Project

Seventy-five years ago this month, scientists led by civilian physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and Lieutenant General Leslie R. Groves successfully tested a weaponized release of atomic energy in the New Mexican desert. The July 16, 1945, blast known as the "Trinity Test" was the culmination of years of research conducted at sites throughout the United States as part of the Manhattan Project. Learn more about how the "gadget" changed the course of World War II and the future of international relations using census records and data.

August 2020: Ratification of the 19th Amendment

On August 18, 1920, American women celebrated Tennessee's ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. After many long and grueling years of lobbying, protests, marches, and civil disobedience, their right to vote in federal and state elections was finally guaranteed. Learn more about the 19th Amendment and the suffrage movement using census data and records.

September 2020: National Hispanic Heritage Month

September is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each September since 1968, the United States has celebrated Hispanics' contributions to our nation's growth and development. With a rich history in art, cuisine, music, dance, and literature, the Hispanic population has helped build a stronger, more vibrant nation for all Americans to enjoy. Learn more about the our nation's Hispanic population using census data and records.

October 2020: First Ladies

Since our nation's birth, few people have had the unfettered access or influence over the president like America's first ladies. From advisors to fashion icons, activists to dinner hosts, the First Ladies leave a lasting mark on the history of our nation's policymaking, legislation, and the executive mansion they call home. Learn more about the first ladies using census data and records.

November 2020: Election Surprises

This month Americans are casting ballots to vote for the candidate they believe should be elected President of the United States for the next 4 years. Although the 2020 presidential election poses unique challenges, voters may be surprised to learn that our nation's democratic process is filled with surprising outcomes, unpredictable candidates, bitter disagreements, and intriguing decisions. Whether your preferred candidate wins or loses, our democratic process remains an example for free nations around the world and can be an exciting process for all Americans who participate. Learn more about some of our nation's most surprising elections and outcomes using census data and records.

December 2020: Winter Holidays

December marks the beginning of the winter holiday season in the United States. In addition to preparing for the colder weather that often follows the winter solstice on December 21, many Americans will be shopping, cooking, and gathering with friends and family for socially-distanced holiday parties, religious observances, and cultural activities related to the festive season. Learn more about some of our nation's celebration of the holdiays using census data and records.