In 1940, Columbia had a larger population than it does today; then, more than 11,500 people called Columbia home.

If your family hails from Columbia, you may find it fun to look into the Census Bureau’s digital files from the 1940 Census. Here is the link to the search page for Columbia.

If you know the street where your relatives or friends live, just scroll through the streets (in the search field of streets on the left) to be directed to the census taker’s tabulation.

If your family roots are elsewhere in the U.S., you will be able to look at census reports from other places, too.

This, as all research, will take a little time and patience on your part. When you find a name of people you recognize, though, it will be rewarding, and a little exciting.