What is the history behind the first U.S Census?

The first U.S. Census was conducted in 1790, following the provisions of the U.S. Constitution, which mandated a count of the population every ten years to determine representation in Congress. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson oversaw the census, which aimed to count free white males, free females, and enslaved individuals. The total population recorded was about 3.9 million, and the census was crucial for allocating congressional seats and federal funding. This practice of decennial counting has evolved over time, becoming more comprehensive and detailed with each iteration.