In 1790, which city had the highest population in the United States?

The Census of 1790

The Census of 1790 was the first official enumeration of the population of the United States. The census was conducted by the federal government under the direction of Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and recorded information on the number of free white males over the age of 16, free white females, other free persons, and slaves in each state. The aim of the census was to determine the distribution of the US population and to provide a basis for the apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives.

The Rise of Urbanization in the United States

The late 18th century saw the beginning of urbanization in the United States, as the country experienced rapid growth in population and economic development. Cities began to emerge as centers of commerce and industry, attracting migrants from rural areas in search of employment opportunities. The urban population grew at a faster rate than the rural population, which had a significant impact on the social, cultural, and political landscape of the country. By 1790, there were several cities in the US with populations of over 10,000, including New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.

Which City Topped the List in 1790?

Of all the cities in the US, New York had the highest population in 1790, with a total of 33,131 residents. This was more than twice the population of the second-largest city, Philadelphia, which had a population of 28,522. Boston, which was the third-largest city, had a population of 18,320. New York’s position as the largest city was largely due to its status as a major port, which attracted immigrants and merchants from all over the world. The city’s population growth was also fueled by its role as the political and cultural center of the nascent United States.

Methodology Used for 1790 Census

The 1790 census was conducted by marshals who were appointed by the president and tasked with collecting data from each state. The marshals were responsible for counting the number of people in their respective districts, recording their names, ages, races, and gender. The information gathered was then transmitted to the Secretary of State, who compiled the results and presented them to Congress. However, the census methodology was largely flawed as it was based on self-reporting and did not account for Native Americans, who were not considered US citizens at the time.

Demographic Characteristics of 1790 Population

The 1790 census revealed that the US population was primarily white and male, with free white males over the age of 16 accounting for the largest demographic group. There were also significant numbers of slaves and free blacks, as well as a small number of Native Americans. Women, particularly unmarried women, were underrepresented in the census data. The average age of the population was relatively young, with a median age of 16 for males and 18 for females.

Factors Contributing to Population Growth

The population growth in the US in the late 18th century was driven by a number of factors, including immigration, natural increase, and the expansion of the economy. The country was a magnet for immigrants from Europe, who were drawn by the promise of land and economic opportunity. The birth rate was also high, due to the relatively young age of the population and the lack of effective birth control methods. The economy was expanding rapidly, thanks to the growth of agriculture, trade, and manufacturing, which created new jobs and attracted workers to the cities.

Dominant Economic Activities of the Time

The dominant economic activities in the US in 1790 were agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. The country was primarily rural, with the majority of the population engaged in farming and related activities. The trade sector was also important, as the US was a major exporter of goods such as tobacco, rice, and indigo. Manufacturing was relatively small-scale, with most goods produced by craftsmen and small businesses. However, the industrial revolution was beginning to take hold, and the country would soon become a major industrial power.

Social and Cultural Developments in the City

The growth of cities in the US in the late 18th century led to significant social and cultural developments. Cities became centers of commerce, industry, and intellectual life, attracting artists, writers, and thinkers from all over the world. Urbanization also led to the emergence of new social classes, as well as the growth of various forms of entertainment such as theater, music, and dancing. However, the urban environment was also marked by poverty, crime, and disease, which were major challenges for the authorities.

Political Significance of High Population

The high population of New York in 1790 was significant in political terms, as it meant that the state would have a larger number of representatives in the House of Representatives. The apportionment of seats was based on population, with each state receiving one representative for every 30,000 residents. The larger the population, the more representatives a state would have, and the greater its influence in national politics. New York’s position as the largest city in the US gave it a significant advantage in this regard.

Comparison with Current Population Figures

The population figures for 1790 are quite different from those of the present day. The US currently has a population of over 330 million, compared to just under 4 million in 1790. New York, which was the largest city in 1790, now has a population of over 8 million, making it the fourth-largest city in the world. The demographic makeup of the population has also changed significantly, with much greater diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, and culture.

Conclusion: 1790 Census and Its Historical Relevance

The 1790 census was a pivotal moment in the history of the United States, as it marked the beginning of the country’s official efforts to record and analyze its population. The census provided valuable data on the distribution of the population, as well as demographic and economic trends. It also played a role in shaping the political landscape of the country, by determining the number of representatives each state had in the House of Representatives. The 1790 census remains an important historical document, giving us a glimpse into the early years of the United States and the challenges it faced as a young nation.

References and Further Reading

1. United States Census Bureau. (2021). History: 1790 Overview. https://www.census.gov/history/www/through_the_decades/overview/1790.html
2. Library of Congress. (2021). Population of the United States, 1790-2000. https://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/riseind/population/
3. History.com Editors. (2020). Urbanization. https://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/urbanization
4. Nash, G. B. (2007). The urban crucible: Social change, political consciousness, and the origins of the American Revolution. Harvard University Press.
5. Tebeau, M. J. (2013). The urbanization of the United States, 1800-2000: A brief history with documents. Routledge.