Census Information

The federal census was taken every ten years and began in Sauk County in 1850. A state census was also taken every ten years although five years staggered from the federal census (1855, 1865 etc.) Census records can be invaluable in giving us clues about particular people, (i.e. age, occupation, nationality etc.) One of the most helpful records is the 1900 federal census which listed more personal information than previous censuses. It also important to note that the 1890 federal census was lost due to fire.

Federal census records for Sauk County are contained on microfilm at the Baraboo Public Library, the Reedsburg Public Library and at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin in Madison. Federal census records for the entire nation are also found on subscription websites like ancestry.com and genealogy.com. A free version of these sites is available through the Sauk County Library System for library visitors and cardholders. Many of the census records have been indexed at these sites making searching much easier.