This reference work serves as a comprehensive quantitative record of the United States, documenting the nation's development from the colonial era through 1970. Compiled by government researchers, the text provides a systematic collection of historical data designed to offer empirical evidence for social, political, and economic analysis. It functions as a foundational repository for scholars and historians seeking to quantify the evolution of American institutions and demographics.

Researchers and historians frequently cite this work as a primary source for longitudinal studies of American history. Experts highlight the academic density of the prose and the meticulous nature of the data collection as essential for rigorous historical inquiry.