Source: National Bureau of Economic Research  

Release: NBER Macrohistory Database  

Units:  Thousands of Current Dollars, Not Seasonally Adjusted

Frequency:  Annual

Statistics Were Compiled By The Federal Works Agency For 1920-39 And By The Department Of The Treasury At The Request Of The Federal Works Agency For 1791-1919. Construction Was Defined In The Source (Notes On Series H33-35, P. 162) As"The Erection Of Any New Structural Or Nonstructural Improvement To Land, Ships, And Floating Equipment, Additions To And Complete Replacement Of Existing Works." Repair Comprises"Work Necessary For The Restoration And Preservation Of Structures, Nonstructural Improvements To Maintain Land And Floating Equipment In A Sound And Serviceable Condition, And Minor Alterations." Despite The Definitions, The Series Does Appear To Include Certain Expenditures That Were Not Construction Or Repair. For Example, The Purchase Of The Panama Canal For $50 Million In Fiscal Year 1904 Was Included In"Other." See Lipsey And Preston, Pp. 275-76, For Further Information. Source: Federal Works Agency-Department Of Treasury, Historical Statistics Of The U.S. 1789-1945, U.S. Bureau Of The Census, Series H27, P. 169, And Series H33, P. 170.

This NBER data series a02223 appears on the NBER website in Chapter 2 at http://www.nber.org/databases/macrohistory/contents/chapter02.html.

NBER Indicator: a02223