United States annual state-level population estimates from colonization to 1999

Metadata:
Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Coulson, David P.
Originator: Joyce, Linda A.
Publication_Date: 2017
Title:
United States annual state-level population estimates from colonization to 1999
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Fort Collins, CO
Publisher: Forest Service Research Data Archive
Online_Linkage: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0017
Description:
Abstract:
The U.S. landscape has undergone substantial changes since Europeans first arrived. Many land use changes are attributable to human activity. Historical data concerning these changes are frequently limited and often difficult to develop. Modeling historical land use changes may be necessary. We develop annual population series from first European settlement to 1999 for all 50 states and Washington D.C. for use in modeling land use trends. Extensive research went into developing the historical data. Linear interpolation was used to complete the series after critically evaluating the appropriateness of linear interpolation versus exponential interpolation.
Purpose:
Our objective was to develop an annual population data series from the first nonindigenous settlements to 1999 for each present day state that could be used to model landscape change presumed to be a direct result of activities associated with the settlement of nonindigenous people.
Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1564
Ending_Date: 1999
Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned
Spatial_Domain:
Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
United States of America, all 50 states
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -178.1486
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -66.94703
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 71.38889
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 0.91083
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: state population
Theme_Keyword: nonindigenous
Theme_Keyword: model
Theme_Keyword: landscape change
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic
Theme_Keyword: society
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: National Research & Development Taxonomy
Theme_Keyword: Environment and People
Theme_Keyword: History
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Place_Keyword: United States
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
These data were collected using funding from the U.S. Government and can be used without additional permissions or fees. If you use these data in a publication, presentation, or other research product please use the following citation:

Coulson, David P.; Joyce, Linda A. 2017. United States annual state-level population estimates from colonization to 1999. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0017
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: David Coulson
Contact_Organization: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station
Contact_Position: Statistican
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical
Address: 240 W Prospect Road
City: Fort Collins
State_or_Province: CO
Postal_Code: 80526
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 970-498-2576
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: davidcoulson@fs.fed.us
Data_Set_Credit:
Funding for this project provided by the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.
Cross_Reference:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Coulson, David P.
Originator: Joyce, Linda A.
Publication_Date: 2003
Title:
United States state-level population estimates: Colonization to 1999
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Gen. Tech. Rep.
Issue_Identification: RMRS-GTR-111WWW
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Fort Collins, CO
Publisher: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station
Other_Citation_Details:
55 p.
Online_Linkage: https://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/5541
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Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
Data were obtained from multiple sources, which means the degree of accuracy varies across these data. These estimates represent general trends, and are not, and should not be considered “exact” head counts. While considerable care was given to the development of this series, the user is fully responsible for any issues that arise from the use of these data. The authors make no claims or warranties as to the suitability of these estimates for any purpose. While extensive research went into the development of this series, it is by no means exhaustive and is subject to revision as new information is brought to light. All counts and estimates found were checked for reasonableness.
Logical_Consistency_Report:
not applicable
Completeness_Report:
The annual time series of state-level population estimates from the first European settlement through 1999 was developed by establishing the temporal and spatial availability of federal census. Where available, population values from other historical data were used to fill missing values. Then the remaining missing values were filled through linear interpolation.

The data reflect all peoples the settlers considered a part of their colony, including slaves and some aboriginal peoples. Aboriginal populations prior to first settlement are not included in this data, nor are aboriginal population estimates made specifically of those living separately and independently of European settlers.
Lineage:
Methodology:
Methodology_Type: Lab
Methodology_Description:
GENERAL SOURCE INFORMATION:
The following general sources, listed in order of preference, were used in the development of the population series. 1) United States Federal census values are used over all other sources. 2) Greene and Harrington’s (1932) work was generally given preference over other sources. 3) Wilson’s (1998) work was used as the primary source for date of first settlement. Many texts on state histories were reviewed. In addition to hardcopy references, internet sources were extensively used. From these narratives we obtained numbers and information on significant events such as gold rushes, massacres, settlement dates, land rushes, wars, and other events impacting population levels. This knowledge helped to estimate the timing and magnitude of shifts in population.

ESTABLISH SETTLEMENT DATE:
We establish date of the first European presence in a state (present day political boundaries) and the initial settlement size. The population prior to first settlement is assumed to be zero. To the extent possible federal census data were used.

POPULATION COUNTS/ESTIMATES:
After establishment of first settlement date and size, research was conducted to fill in the missing years between that date and US Census data. Some subjectivity was required in sifting through the various sources. The following general approach was taken. Values from nonfederal censuses, head counts, rosters, rolls, houses, and similar records were generally accepted “as is” unless strong evidence suggested something was awry. Greene and Harrington (1932) provided many such counts and estimates, counts generally being preferred over estimates. In cases of non-census counts, a conversion factor was applied to the count to obtain an estimate of the population at the time. When count data were unavailable, population estimates were considered. All counts and estimates found were checked for reasonableness. The assumption is that interim population values (between census years for example) are between the endpoints in magnitude, unless there was strong evidence to the contrary.

MISSING YEARS:
Missing years were filled in with population values from other historical sources (ignoring any estimates of questionable validity), and lastly, linear interpolation was used to fill in missing values between years. The estimates only include those indigenous peoples accounted for by the colonists.

For more details on these methods see Coulson and Joyce 2003, along with the other citations noted below. You will also find a list of the main sources that were used to obtain data. Coulson and Joyce 2003 contains the complete list of sources.
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Coulson, David P.
Originator: Joyce, Linda A.
Publication_Date: 2003
Title:
United States state-level population estimates: Colonization to 1999
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Gen. Tech. Rep.
Issue_Identification: RMRS-GTR-111WWW
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Fort Collins, CO
Publisher: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station
Other_Citation_Details:
55 p.
Online_Linkage: https://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/5541
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Brown, Daniel G.
Publication_Date: 2001
Title:
Characterizing the human imprint on landscapes for ecological assessment. A guidebook for integrated ecological assessments
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: New York
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Other_Citation_Details:
pp. 404-415
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Campbell, David J.
Publication_Date: 2001
Title:
Assessing human processes in society: environmental interactions. A guidebook for integrated ecological assessments
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: New York
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Other_Citation_Details:
pp. 416-435
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Schumacher, James V.
Originator: Redmond, Roland L.
Originator: Hart, Melissa M.
Originator: Jensen, Mark E.
Publication_Date: 2001
Title:
Mapping patterns of human use and potential resource conflicts on public lands. A guidebook for integrated ecological assessments
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: New York
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Reynolds, R.V.
Originator: Pierson, Albert H.
Publication_Date: 1942
Title:
Fuel wood used in the United States, 1630 to 1930
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Circular
Issue_Identification: 641
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Washington, D.C.
Publisher: United States Department of Agriculture
Methodology_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Greene, Evarts B.
Originator: Harrington, Virginia D.
Publication_Date: 1932
Title:
American population before the Federal census of 1790
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Gloucester, MA
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Greene, Evarts B.
Originator: Harrington, Virginia D.
Publication_Date: 1932
Title:
American population before the Federal census of 1790
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Gloucester, MA
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Type_of_Source_Media: paper
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1954
Ending_Date: 1790
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
Greene and Harrington
Source_Contribution:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: United States Bureau of the Census
Publication_Date: 1975
Title:
Historical statistics of the United States, colonial times to 1970
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Washington D.C.
Publisher: U.S. Bureau of the Census
Type_of_Source_Media: paper
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1954
Ending_Date: 1970
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
U.S. Bureau of the Census 1954-1970
Source_Contribution:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: United States Bureau of the Census
Publication_Date: 1993
Title:
Population and Housing Counts: 1790–1990, from CPH-2-1, table 16
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Washington, D.C.
Publisher: U.S. Bureau of the Census
Online_Linkage: https://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/pop-hc.html
Online_Linkage: https://www.census.gov/population/censusdata/table-16.pdf
Type_of_Source_Media: online
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1790
Ending_Date: 1990
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
U.S. Bureau of the Census 1790-1990
Source_Contribution:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Population Estimates Program, Population Division, U.S. Bureau of the Census
Publication_Date: 19991229
Title:
ST-99-3 State Population Estimates
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: raster digital data
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Annual Time Series
Issue_Identification: July 1, 1990 to July 1, 1999
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Online
Publisher: U.S. Bureau of the Census
Other_Citation_Details:
(This URL may no longer be available>
Online_Linkage: //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/st-99-3.txt
Type_of_Source_Media:
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1990
Ending_Date: 1999
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
Population Estimates Program
Source_Contribution:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Wilson, Vincent, Jr.
Publication_Date: 1998
Title:
The book of States
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Brookeville, MD
Publisher: American History Research Associates
Other_Citation_Details:
112 p.
Type_of_Source_Media: paper
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1954
Ending_Date: 1999
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
Wilson
Source_Contribution:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Forstall, Richard L.
Publication_Date: 1995
Title:
Population of counties by decennial census: 1900 to 1990 (Alaska)
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Washington, D.C.
Publisher: Population Division: U.S. Bureau of the Census
Online_Linkage: https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ak190090.txt
Type_of_Source_Media: online
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1900
Ending_Date: 1990
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
Forstall Alaska
Source_Contribution:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Forstall, Richard L.
Publication_Date: 1995
Title:
Population of counties by decennial census: 1900 to 1990 (Hawaii)
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Washington, D.C.
Publisher: Population Division: U.S. Bureau of the Census
Online_Linkage: https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/hi190090.txt
Type_of_Source_Media: online
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1900
Ending_Date: 1990
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
Forstall Hawaii
Source_Contribution:
Source_Information:
Source_Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator: Population Estimates Branch, U.S. Bureau of the Census
Publication_Date: 1996
Title:
Intercensal estimates of the total resident population of states
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: database
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Washington, D.C.
Publisher: Population Estimates Branch, U.S. Bureau of the Census
Other_Citation_Details:
Original websites: //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/stts/st0009ts.txt, //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/stts/st1009ts.txt, //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/stts/st2009ts.txt, //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/stts/st3009ts.txt, //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/stts/st4009ts.txt, //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/stts/st5009ts.txt, //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/stts/st6009ts.txt, //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/stts/st7009ts.txt, //eire.census.gov/popest/archives/state/stts/st8009ts.txt
Online_Linkage: https://www.census.gov/popest/
Type_of_Source_Media: online
Source_Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Range_of_Dates/Times:
Beginning_Date: 1900
Ending_Date: 1990
Source_Currentness_Reference:
publication date
Source_Citation_Abbreviation:
Intercensal Estimates
Source_Contribution:
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
See Methodology above.
Process_Date: Unknown
Process_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: David Coulson
Contact_Organization: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station
Contact_Position: Statistican
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical
Address: 240 West Prospect Road
City: Fort Collins
State_or_Province: CO
Postal_Code: 80526
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 970-498-2756
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: davidcoulson@fs.fed.us
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Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Indirect_Spatial_Reference_Method:
United States of America, 50 State boundaries
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Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Overview_Description:
Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
Below is a list of file(s) included in this data publication along with a short description of the contents.

\Data\US_Population_Estimates.csv
Comma-delimited ASCII text file containing annual population estimates for each of the 50 states within the U.S. and Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) from colonization through 1999. Variables include:

DESCRIPTION OF ROWS:

ROW 1 contains the STATE_CODE = Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) state code, which is a numeric number assigned to each state.

ROW 2 contains labels for the data.

ROW 3-438 contains the population estimates representing the magnitude and distribution of nonindigenous settlers and indigenous peoples living in the settlements during the early years and, as time progresses, all peoples in the specified state as reported in the U.S. Census (in alphabetical order). Zeroes are recorded from 1594 until the first settlement in the specified state.


DESCRIPTION OF COLUMNS:

COL 1 contains YEAR = year the population estimate represents.

COL 2 contains population estimates for Alabama for the specified year.

COL 3 contains population estimates for Alaska for the specified year.

COL 4 contains population estimates for Arizona for the specified year.

COL 5 contains population estimates for Arkansas for the specified year.

COL 6 contains population estimates for California for the specified year.

COL 7 contains population estimates for Colorado for the specified year.

COL 8 contains population estimates for Connecticut for the specified year.

COL 9 contains population estimates for Delaware for the specified year.

COL 10 contains population estimates for District of Columbia for the specified year.

COL 11 contains population estimates for Florida for the specified year.

COL 12 contains population estimates for Georgia for the specified year.

COL 13 contains population estimates for Hawaii for the specified year.

COL 14 contains population estimates for Idaho for the specified year.

COL 15 contains population estimates for Illinois for the specified year.

COL 16 contains population estimates for Indiana for the specified year.

COL 17 contains population estimates for Iowa for the specified year.

COL 18 contains population estimates for Kansas for the specified year.

COL 19 contains population estimates for Kentucky for the specified year.

COL 20 contains population estimates for Louisiana for the specified year.

COL 21 contains population estimates for Maine for the specified year.

COL 22 contains population estimates for Maryland for the specified year.

COL 23 contains population estimates for Massachusetts for the specified year.

COL 24 contains population estimates for Michigan for the specified year.

COL 25 contains population estimates for Minnesota for the specified year.

COL 26 contains population estimates for Mississippi for the specified year.

COL 27 contains population estimates for Missouri for the specified year.

COL 28 contains population estimates for Montana for the specified year.

COL 29 contains population estimates for Nebraska for the specified year.

COL 30 contains population estimates for Nevada for the specified year.

COL 31 contains population estimates for New Hampshire for the specified year.

COL 32 contains population estimates for New Jersey for the specified year.

COL 33 contains population estimates for New Mexico for the specified year. The zeros between 1680 and 1691 reflect Spanish settlers leaving New Mexico during this time.

COL 34 contains population estimates for New York for the specified year.

COL 35 contains population estimates for North Carolina for the specified year.

COL 36 contains population estimates for North Dakota for the specified year.

COL 37 contains population estimates for Ohio for the specified year.

COL 38 contains population estimates for Oklahoma for the specified year.

COL 39 contains population estimates for Oregon for the specified year.

COL 40 contains population estimates for Pennsylvania for the specified year.

COL 41 contains population estimates for Rhode Island for the specified year.

COL 42 contains population estimates for South Carolina for the specified year.

COL 43 contains population estimates for South Dakota for the specified year.

COL 44 contains population estimates for Tennessee for the specified year.

COL 45 contains population estimates for Texas for the specified year.

COL 46 contains population estimates for Utah for the specified year.

COL 47 contains population estimates for Vermont for the specified year.

COL 48 contains population estimates for Virginia for the specified year.

COL 49 contains population estimates for Washington for the specified year.

COL 50 contains population estimates for West Virginia for the specified year.

COL 51 contains population estimates for Wisconsin for the specified year.

COL 52 contains population estimates for Wyoming for the specified year.

COL 53 contains TOTAL population estimates across all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the specified year.
Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
Coulson, David P.; Joyce, Linda A. 2003. United States state-level population estimates: Colonization to 1999. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-111WWW. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 55 p. https://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/5541
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Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization: USDA Forest Service, Research and Development
Contact_Position: Research Data Archivist
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical
Address: 240 West Prospect Road
City: Fort Collins
State_or_Province: CO
Postal_Code: 80526
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: see Contact Instructions
Contact Instructions: This contact information was current as of April 2017. For current information see Contact Us page on: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS.
Resource_Description: RDS-2017-0017
Distribution_Liability:
This metadata document has been reviewed for accuracy and completeness. The data are considered to satisfy the USDA Forest Service's quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. However, the Forest Service cannot assure the reliability or suitability of these data for a particular purpose. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the Forest Service for a user's application of these data or related materials.

The metadata, data, or related materials may be updated without notification. If a user believes errors are present in the metadata, data or related materials, please use the information in (1) Identification Information: Point of Contact, (2) Metadata Reference: Metadata Contact, or (3) Distribution Information: Distributor to notify the Forest Service of the issues. Additional information is available at https://www.fs.fed.us/qoi.
Standard_Order_Process:
Digital_Form:
Digital_Transfer_Information:
Format_Name: ASCII
Format_Version_Number: see Format Specification
Format_Specification:
Comma-delimited ASCII text file (CSV)
File_Decompression_Technique: Files zipped with WinZip 14.0
Digital_Transfer_Option:
Online_Option:
Computer_Contact_Information:
Network_Address:
Network_Resource_Name: https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2017-0017
Fees: None
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Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 20170410
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: David Coulson
Contact_Organization: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station
Contact_Position: Statistican
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical
Address: 240 West Prospect Road
City: Fort Collins
State_or_Province: CO
Postal_Code: 80526
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 970-498-2756
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: davidcoulson@fs.fed.us
Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001.1-1999
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