The first United States census recorded a population of 3,929,214 people in 1790.
Census Day was August 2, 1790, and the enumeration was authorized by Article One, Section Two of the Constitution. United States marshals collected the information in the states and the Southwest Territory, using household-based schedules.
Virginia was the most populous state in the official count, with 747,610 residents. Delaware was the least populous state, with 59,094. The census results were published in 1791, and the original publication cost more than $44,000.
The total is sometimes rounded to about 3.9 million. Historical researchers also note that the count excluded some people and that the original records for several states were later lost, so the figure is an official enumeration rather than a perfect modern-style population estimate.