Nineteenth century African-American and White biological living conditions in Texas

Using a source of 19th century Texas state prison inmate records, the present study contrasts the biological living conditions of comparable 19th century African and European Americans. Average Black stature ironically increased during the antebellum period and decreased immediately after emancipation, while average White stature declined throughout the second half of the 19th century. Texas Black BMI values declined during the late 19th and early 20th centuries; however, White BMI values increased, indicating considerable 19th century biological inequality by race. Therefore, the known material inequality that existed in the 19th century American South is reinforced with biological markers.