The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Central Regional Library maintains a collection of over 400,000 photographs taken during geologic studies of the United States and its territories from 1868 to the present.

These images provide a visual history of the discovery, development, and sciences of the United States and its Geological Survey. Some photographs have been used in USGS publications, but most have never been published.

All photographs within this collection are public domain; therefore, signed releases, permissions, and payment for use or reproduction are not required.

Private authors or users outside the USGS may not copyright any part of this collection of photographs.

All photographs are provided with the understanding that such material may not be used to show, by implication or otherwise, that the U.S. Department of the Interior or the U.S. Geological Survey endorses any product or service.

For any use made of a photograph, credit should be given to the individual photographer and the U.S. Geological Survey.