Research Guides: Economics: Historical Data

Historical Data by Subject

Prices & Wages by Decade: 1700-Present
This guide points to government publications listing retail prices for common items or "necessities of life." Prices for foods, articles of clothing, household items, appliances, hardware, fuel and other physical goods fall within the domain of this guide. Much of the content for the guide is located in HathiTrust and FRASER (St Louis Fed).

Historical Statistics of the United States This link opens in a new window
Quantitative information with narrative, which places the statistics in historical context. The text is written by recognized expert in the field. Topics include social, economic, migration, health, crime, Confederate States of America, among others. Coverage: 1850-2000.
Global Commodities: Trade, Exploration and Cultural Exchange This link opens in a new window
Documents explore the history of fifteen major commodities in global trade. Documents include a vast range of visual, manuscript and printed materials, maps, posters, paintings, photographs, ephemera, etc. sourced from organizations around the world. Coverage: BCE-present.