
Enumeration districts (EDs) were defined areas assigned to individual census takers (enumerators) to complete within a specific timeframe. These divisions helped the U.S. Census Bureau efficiently organize the census process. EDs were mapped onto street layouts, detailing specific streets, blocks, and neighborhoods, so enumerators clearly understood their assigned areas. As census takers collected data door-to-door, they recorded the ED number on each census page, creating a direct link between the ED map and the census record.
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Why Are ED Maps Useful?Why Are ED Maps Useful?
ED maps are incredibly helpful if you know an ancestor’s address but cannot locate them in the census by name. For example, their surname may have been misspelled, or the enumerator may have misheard them. Some people were listed by only their first name. Using the ED, you can manually browse census pages for the area where your ancestor lived. However, keep in mind that ED boundaries changed with each census, so it’s essential to use the map from the correct year.
There are two main ways to use ED maps for research: manually or by using Steve Morse’s Unified Census ED Finder tool.
Strategy 1: Search ManuallyStrategy 1: Search Manually
Step 1 - Locate Your Ancestor’s Address:
Find the address where your ancestor lived during the census year. You may have a form, letter or postcard that has the relevant address. Keep in mind that street names and house numbers may have changed over time, so a map closer to the census date is more reliable.
Step 2 - Identify the Appropriate ED Map:
Use the National Archives website to locate the ED map that covers the area of your ancestor’s address. Note the ED number assigned to the grid containing their residence.
Step 3 - Search the Corresponding Census Pages:
Look up the census pages for the ED you identified. Be prepared for a bit of effort—urban EDs can contain 30 or more pages. Scan through the pages to locate your ancestor.
Strategy 2: Use Steve Morse’s Unified Census ED FinderStrategy 2: Use Steve Morse’s Unified Census ED Finder
The Steve Morse website has helpful “One-Step” tools, to make identifying ED numbers easier. These tools calculate the ED number for each U.S. census year based on location details.
Step 1 - Access the ED Finder for Your Census Year:
Navigate to the appropriate page for the census year on the Steve Morse website. The drop down list for the year is at the top middle of the page.
Step 2 - Enter Known Information:
Provide as much detail as possible, including:
- State
- County
- City or Town
- House Number
- Street Name
- Cross Streets (if available)
Step 3 - Review the Results:
The search may return multiple ED numbers, especially for long streets or densely populated urban areas. Be prepared to browse through all relevant EDs to narrow down your search.
Important Notes:
- The Steve Morse tool provides ED numbers but does not display the actual ED maps. You’ll need to cross-reference the ED number with the census records or maps available at other sites, such as the National Archives.
- For urban areas, patience is key—searching through multiple EDs and their pages might be necessary to locate your ancestor.
See alsoSee also
Explore more about How to use enumeration district maps to help find ancestors in US censusesExplore more about How to use enumeration district maps to help find ancestors in US censuses
- Enumeration Districts and Census Tracts - Learn Genealogy by Kimberly Powell
- Geography Reference Maps - United States Census Bureau
- Maps At NARA Of Interest To Genealogists - National Archives
- One-Step Webpages by Stephen P. Morse