USGS Frequently Asked Questions

Answer:

A: To find specific historic USGS topographic maps, an index is Map Index to Topographic Quadrangles of the United States, 1882-1940, by Riley Moore Moffat. 1985. Western Association of Map Libraries, Occasional Paper no.10. You can also contact USGS Information Services in Reston, VA.

U.S. Geological Survey
Information Services
507 National Center
Reston, VA 20192

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747) or 703-648-6045
FAX: 703-648-5548
TDD: 703-648-4119
E-mail: USGS Information Services

Give as much information as possible, including the State, county, and town or township; year of interest or range of years; as well as the type of information you are seeking on the map - for example, streams and rivers, railroad lines, roads, or cultural features. A researcher will then be able to determine if any maps in the USGS historical collections will suit your needs.

To view copies, check with USGS depository map libraries in the state covered. Also, some may be viewable on the Internet by checking http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/histopo/, or http://docs.unh.edu/nhtopos/nhtopos.htm.

General information about historical mapping, including non-USGS sources of information can be found at: USGS Fact Sheet 154-99 (November 1999)

Additional resources are available from the Library's Selected Map Web Links page under the Historical Maps listing.