What Happened to 1890 U.S. Federal Census Records?

Census records often prove very useful when doing genealogical research.  In addition to providing names and the location of where folks were living that year, often times, they also tell you when somebody was born or immigrated to the U.S. as well as what occupation they had.   The more census records you have, the better picture you get on a person's life.

However, searching for census records can be frustrating at times ... especially if you've been searching for the 1890 U.S. Federal Census Record.  This record was mostly destroyed in a fire in the National Archives building in 1921. 

All census records (as well as other vital records) are stored in the National Archives building in Washington D.C.  There was a fire in this building in 1921, which resulted in the 1890 records getting water-soaked when the fire department put the fire out.  This of course, ruined the 1890 Federal Census records ... at least the ones housed in the National Archives.

A few states still have some of their original 1890 Federal Census records, which does help some.  Sites like Ancestry.com have also compiled some "substitute" census records using other data sources (such as city directories and tax schedules).   So with a lot of digging, you may be able to find some information about the 1890's.

If you'd like to know more about the fire that destroyed the 1890 Federal Census records, click here.
It's really an interesting article and even contains a few other tips for finding more information.