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Historical Development of the Economic Census in the United States
Introduction
The United States first inquired into the state of the nation’s economy during the 1810 census. In a May 1, 1810 act, Congress directed that, ”it shall be the duty of the several marshals, secretaries, and their assistants aforesaid, to take, under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, and according to such instructions as he shall give, an account of the several manufacturing establishments and manufactures within their several districts, territories, and divisions.” The act did not outline specific questions or prescribe a schedule, leaving those matters to the Secretary of the Treasury’s discretion.
Page Last Revised - February 27, 2024
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