Minnesota Census Records 4

Minnesota Census Notes

Although by 1820, there were settlers in what we call Minnesota, the actual census records are scarce for people who were living in this area of the Northwest Territory during this early time period. Some of these early Minnesotans are found in the 1820 census of Michigan Territory.  In 1830 & 1840, some people living in this part of the Northwest Territory, were enumerated by Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa census takers. If you find yourself at a dead-end, it is recommended that you check 1830 & 1840 census records for MI, WI and IA. In particular, you should check St. Croix County, WI and Clayton County, IA as many Minnesota folk were enumerated in those areas.  The first official Minnesota census enumerated by the U.S. Government, is the 1849 Minnesota Territorial Census.

Federal Minnesota Census records begin with the 1850 Territorial Census.  An 1857 Territorial Census was enumerated just prior to statehood.  Federal censuses for Minnesota began with the 1850 Territorial census and were conducted every 10 years thereafter and are available to the public for census years: 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1930. See 1849-1905 Minnesota Territorial & State Censuses at Ancestry & 1790-1930 US Census Records at Ancestry.

The 1890 Minnesota Federal Census Records were destroyed by a 1921 warehouse fire with the exception of Rockford Precinct of Wright County. The 1890 Veterans and Widows census schedules survived the fire and may be used as a census substitute. See 1835-1890 Minnesota Census Records at Ancestry.

Soundex code (phonetic indexes) for Minnesota Federal census records are available on microfilm for census years: 1880, 1900 and 1920.

Minnesota State Census Records survived for years 1853, 1855, 1865, 1875, 1885, 1895 and 1905. See 1849-1905 Minnesota Territorial & State Censuses at Ancestry.

Minnesota Census Records

Questions In The Census

Learn what questions were asked in each census year and where to find census records online.  This section of Census Finder covers each census year from 1790-1930 and will give you clues and tips to help you learn to locate your ancestors quickly in census records.

Minnesota Records

On CD ROM

SK Publications - Minnesota

Family Tree Maker Software

Minnesota Census Records &

1850 U.S. Census Index

1890 Census -Veterans Schedules

1900 Census Online  

Minnesota Statewide Databases

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Minnesota Genealogy Forum

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National Phone Directories

Surname Community Search

Minnesota Mailing List NOTE:  When joining RootsWeb mailing list - just click the link and send message.  Do not add anything in the subject line or message body.

Minnesota Genealogy Links

Minnesota Family History Centers

Minnesota Genealogy

Minnesota Genealogy Societies

Minnesota History Museums

Minnesota Native Americans

Minnesota Naturalization Records Database

Minnesota USGenWeb Census Project

Minnesota USGenWeb County Pages

State Archives Links

Minnesota History Books

1918 History of Clay and Norman Counties

US Census Records

 1790-1930 Census Search

 1850 Census Records Search

 1920 Census Records Search

 Search the 1930 Census!

 Census Search at RootsWeb

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