Don’t Skip the 1890 Census—Here’s What Survived (and Why It’s a Goldmine)

Devon Noel Lee
Jun 17
3 min read

Have you ever missed out on the genealogy jackpot because you believed someone who said, “The 1890 census burned—just skip it”?

Yeah, me too. But here’s the thing: that advice can make you miss out on some of the richest records available from that decade.

Let’s set the record straight. While most of the 1890 U.S. Federal Census was destroyed in the 1921 Commerce Department fire and subsequent water damage once the fire was out, not all of it went up in smoke. And if your ancestors appear in what did survive? You’ve just hit the genealogy jackpot. The jackpot is so amazing, I mentioned it twice!

Close-up of burning logs with bright orange flames in a dark setting, creating a warm, intense atmosphere. No text visible.

How many of you have hit a roadblock in your family history research because the 1890 census didn’t survive the Commerce Department fire of 1921? I know I have. Losing such a crucial piece of history can feel overwhelming, but here’s the good news: some parts of the 1890 census *did* survive—and they might hold the key to unlocking your family’s past.

If you’re looking for creative ways to navigate this challenge, stick around. To catch all the details, be sure to check out the links at the end of this blog or in the series overview.

What Really Happened to the 1890 Census?

Before we jump into the surviving records, here’s some trivia. Contrary to popular belief, the 1890 census didn’t burn entirely. Yes, in 1921, a fire damaged the place where the census was stored, but the records weren’t immediately destroyed.

Instead, significant water damage ruined many of the remaining 1890 documents. Over time, exposure to moisture rendered most of the census unsalvageable, and they were later discarded.

So, while we’ve lost most of the 1890 population census, it’s not all gone. Some remnants survived, which might just help you break through your brick wall.

Genealogy books on a pink tablecloth, including family history albums. Text reads "Take your genealogy research further, faster. Get Started."

What Survived the 1890 Census Fire?

The National Archives preserved fragments of the 1890 population census—small, but mighty. These include about 6,160 names from areas in 10 different states, such as Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York. You can find these fragments on sites like Ancestry or indexed on FamilySearch.

So, when I say genealogy jackpot, I wasn't kidding!! The population of the US was nearly 62,980,000 persons. So, yes, the chance of your ancestor being one of the surviving names is 0.00978%, but if you don't search for your ancestor in the names that survive if you they lived in the states listed, you're missing out on invaluable clues that others would covet!

So, find out the locations that survived, and if your ancestor lived there, take the chance.

For the majority of us, we need to check out the amazing portions of the census that did survive, namely:

1890 U.S. census document listing surviving soldiers and widows. Handwritten names, ranks, and service dates are visible. Black and white.

The 1890 Veterans Schedule: A Civil War Research Jackpot

If your ancestors served in the Union Army or were the widows of Union veterans, this special schedule is packed with incredible detail: service dates, regiment names, post-war disabilities, and even addresses.

This schedule is absolutely amazing! While researching the men of the 133rd Ohio Infantry, it provided crucial service details and post-war connections. And I almost overlooked it—because I believed the myth that everything was gone.

Let me say this clearly: don’t ignore the 1890 Veterans Schedule.

Bonus: Other Surviving Schedules and Stats

Oklahoma Territory Census – If your ancestors lived here in 1890, you’re in luck!
Delaware African-American Schedule – A rare and powerful snapshot.
Lutheran Congregation Stats & U.S. General Statistical Reports – While not name-based, these can help you paint a richer historical picture of your ancestors' communities. If you're writing a family story about ancestors living during the 1890s, this information will help set the scene of their lives.

Why It Matters

If your ancestor appears in one of these surviving records, celebrate! You’ve uncovered a rare puzzle piece. Even if they don’t, the Veterans Schedule or regional stats might still offer helpful context to guide your next steps.

Let’s Stop Skipping the 1890 Census

So, next time someone says “Just skip 1890,” you can kindly—but confidently—set the record straight. It’s not a dead end. It’s just underused.

Tell me—have you found anyone in these surviving records? Did the Veterans Schedule help you crack a case wide open? Drop a comment or share your story—I’d love to cheer you on.