| The
database includes only the counties in northern Dakota
Territory
(present-day North Dakota).
This 1885 Dakota
Territory census index contains over 150,000 names. |
Consult the Institute information
page for the scope and content of the records and for ordering
copies.
Searching Tips for the Dakota Territory 1885
Census Database
First and Last Name
The first and last names are in the same field in this database.
Although the census enumerator usually recorded last names accurately,
complete and accurate first names are less certain. Many times only
an initial is recorded rather than a complete first name, and unfamiliar
foreign names were given American versions.
We suggest initial searches be done for only the last name. You
can truncate (shorten) to consecutive letters about which you are
certain. Entering "Lee" will not only give you persons with the
last name of Lee, but also Brownlee, Boutilleel, and Almlee. It
will also search the first name and find the names, for example,
of Caralee Actel and Robert Lee Allison. If searching for a common
last name, adding the place of birth or county of residence will
help.
If you enter both the first and last name, it must be in the following
format (including the comma): "Smith, James" (without the quotes).
This search will not give entries where the census taker only recorded
"J. Smith". Entering "James Smith" or "Smith James" without the
separating comma, will give you no results.
Nativity and County Residence
You can also limit your search by adding,
if known, the country or state of birth, or the Dakota Territory
county of residence. For countries, enter the complete name; for
states you must enter a postal abbreviation. Remember, if a person
was born in what is now North or South Dakota, the entry will read
"Dakota" only.
To contact the Institute
by means other than e-mail, please see the information below.
|
Mailing Address:
Institute for Regional Studies
NDSU Libraries
PO Box 5599
Fargo, ND 58105-5599
|
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (academic year)
Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (summer)
Wednesday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (academic year)
Phone:
701-231-8914
Fax:
701-231-5632
E-Mail:
archives@www.lib.ndsu.nodak.edu
|
|
Physical Location:
Skills & Technology Training Center, Rm 117
1305 19th Ave N.
Fargo
|
|
|
|
