USGS Celebrates 50 years in Menlo Park

In January of 1954, 120 employees of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) moved into what would be the first of many USGS buildings in Menlo Park. These USGS employees were previously stationed all around the western United States from San Francisco to Salt Lake City, and several were even commuting from our Washington DC office. Bringing them together in a central western region facility would lead to increased scientific cooperation and efficient use of resources. The Survey's Western Region Headquarters would eventually grow to include 2000 people housed in almost two dozen buildings spread from Redwood City to Palo Alto. In recent years, that number has been reduced by downsizing and decentralization. The USGS currently employs about 600 people at their Middlefield Road campus in Menlo Park.

This 50th anniversary of the USGS in Menlo Park comes at the same time as the federal agency is celebrating its 125th anniversary nationwide. The anniversary celebrations and special event season will be celebrated throughout 2004 with a variety of exhibits and public events to be held at the campus at 345 Middlefield Road in Menlo Park.

USGS Menlo Park Campus aerial view

USGS Building 3, Menlo Park, CA

USGS Menlo Park Campus Map.
This map provides directions to the USGS Menlo Park Campus. Visitor parking is available along the perimeter of the circle area near Building 3 and throughout.

List of USGS 50 years of Scientific Accomplishments in Menlo Park.

USGS Public Events Calendar.