The first census in the U.S. took place on August 2, 1790, more than a year after President Washington's inauguration. The law required every household be visited. Since 1790, censuses have been taken every 10 years, each one containing different information. The 1890 census was virtually destroyed, and what little remained was badly damaged, in a 1921 Commerce Department Building fire. As a result, there is a 20-year gap (1880-1900) making it very difficult to find family during those dates. Censuses are not published until 72 years have passed, for privacy reasons. The 1940 census was made available for publication in 2012 and the 1950 census will be published in 2022 which we look forward to with great anticipation. If you are just starting your family search journey, check out National Archives Resources for Genealogists.
Washington Territory was granted statehood on November 11, 1889 making Washington the 42nd state. Chelan County was formed in 1899 making the 1900 census the first census available for Chelan county.
Published U.S. censuses for Chelan County for the years 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940 may be searched and downloaded to your device from the sites listed below. Or simply click on the year you want (above) and go directly to Chelan County censuses for that year. Prior to 1900, Chelan County, for a short time, was a part of Okanogan (formed in 1888) and Kittitas (formed in 1893) Counties.
The links provided below will take you directly to blank census forms for the year indicated so you can see what information is provided. Or, you may click here for the blank forms index and additional forms which may interest you.
County Coordinator:
Shannon (Hill) Lanning
State Coordinator:
Mike Sweeney
Asst State Coordinator:
Colleen Pustola
If you have information, questions, comments, or any problems with this site, please do not hesitate to contact the County Coordinator. We are here to help.
