The United States Census Browser at the University of Virginia’s Fischer Library is a great tool for evaluating population shifts over time. With data narrowed to the county level, it is a great resource for documenting large-scale population changes over time. It also is a great tool for examining the census itself as a feature of American life constructed over time to reflect national values and beliefs.

It is very easy to use if you follow directions.

HIS400: Using the 1880, 1900, and 1920 census, document the shifting African-American or foreign-born population in the United States (at the state level) and within Ohio (at the county level). You should produce six maps.