In both the 1860 & 1870 federal censuses, census takers were to obtain 
the value of each household's real estate & personal property.  This 
must have been self reported.

Is there some formula for determining the real losses between those 2 
census years that takes inflation into account?

In depth research would be most interesting here.  A major drop in real 
property value could probably be accounted for since a major factor in 
the value of land would be the number of able-bodied slaves working the 
property.  A paying market for whatever the land was producing would 
have been necessary.

As for personal property, can a sharp decrease in value be due to 
depressed prices, damages & losses during the war or little market for 
personal items?

I would love to hear what our scholars of 19th century VA history and 
econ have to say on this subject.  Links to formal research would be 
great too.

Many thanks, Judith B. Gabor

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