Indian Census Rolls 1885-1940

NARA microfilm publication Indian Census Rolls, 1885-1940 (692 rolls) contains census rolls that were usually submitted each year by agents or superintendents in charge of Indian reservations, as required by an act of July 4, 1884. The data on the rolls vary to some extent, but usually given are the English and/or Indian name of the person, roll number, age or date of birth, sex, and relationship to head of family.

Beginning in 1930, the rolls also show the degree of Indian blood, marital status, ward status, place of residence, and sometimes other information. For certain years–including 1935, 1936, 1938, and 1939–only supplemental rolls of additions and deletions were compiled. Most of the 1940 rolls have been retained by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and are not included in this publication.

There is not a census for every reservation or group of Indians for every year. Only persons who maintained a formal affiliation with a tribe under federal supervision are listed on these census rolls.

To access these rolls for free (no index) visit:

• Free US Indian Census Schedules 1885-1940

To access an index of these rolls (cost involved) see:

• Ancestry – US Indian Census Schedules 1885-1940