Historical Maps

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Historical Maps

Since the U.S. Census Bureau first published a map of the continental U.S. in 1854, the agency has employed the latest technology and experts in the fields of geography and cartography to visually display census data. More information about cartography at the Census Bureau can be found in the Notable Maps, How We Map, and Statistical Atlases sections of this website.

In this section, we present useful maps to help illustrate census data in your lesson plans. Included are state maps from Census 2000, population distribution maps from 1790 to 2000, and links to more Census Bureau maps and geographic information.

1950 Enumeration District Map for Bergen and Ridgewood, NJ

Maps—like this 1950 map for Ridgewood in Bergen County, NJ—included streets, boundaries, and water features to aid the enumerator in their rounds.

Washington, DC, Census Tracts: 1930

At the time of the 1930 Census, our nation's capital was divided into 30 census tracts that were generally defined by the city's police district boundaries

Map of Tombstone, AZ

On October 26, 1881, City Marshal Virgil Earp, his brothers Wyatt and Morgan, and Doc Holliday squared off against a group of cowboys in Tombstone, AZ.

DeBow's 1854 Map

In 1854, Superintendent J.D.B. DeBow produced, as part of his Statistical View of the United States, the first map in a census publication.

1820 Map: Viginia, Maryland, Washington D.C.

S. Augustus Mitchell published this hand-colored map of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia in 1832.