Records of the U.S. Geological Survey [USGS]
(Record Group 57)
1839-1994 (bulk 1867-1986)
Table of Contents
- 57.1 ADMINISTRATIVE HISTORY
- 57.2 RECORDS OF EARLY SURVEYS
1853-1900
- 57.2.1 Records of the King Survey
- 57.2.2 Records of the Powell Survey
- 57.2.3 Records of the Hayden Survey
- 57.2.4 Records of the Wheeler Survey
- 57.3 GENERAL RECORDS
1879-1994
- 57.3.1 Administrative records
- 57.3.2 Program and policy records
- 57.4 RECORDS OF THE GEOLOGIC DIVISION 1867-1985
- 57.4.1 General records
- 57.4.2 Records of the Mineral Deposits Branch
- 57.4.3 Records of the Foreign Geology Section
- 57.4.4 Records of the Theoretical Geophysics Branch
- 57.4.5 Records of the Trace Elements Planning and Coordination
Office (TEPCO)
- 57.4.6 Records of the Alaskan Geology Branch
- 57.4.7 Records of the Fuels Branch
- 57.4.8 Records of the Military Geology Branch
- 57.4.9 Records of other units
- 57.5 RECORDS OF THE TOPOGRAPHIC DIVISION 1879-1986
- 57.6 RECORDS OF THE WATER RESOURCES DIVISION 1888-1986
- 57.6.1 General records
- 57.6.2 Records relating to various cooperative projects
- 57.6.3 Records of the White Mountain Water Resources Investigation
- 57.6.4 Records of the Superpower Survey
- 57.6.5 Hydrologic data and reports
- 57.6.6 Records of the Surface Water Branch
- 57.6.7 Records of the Ground Water Branch
- 57.6.8 Records of the Quality of Water Branch
- 57.6.9 Records of the Division of Power Resources
- 57.6.10 Records of the Water Utilization Branch
- 57.6.11 Records of the General Hydrology Branch
- 57.6.12 Records relating to the Powell Irrigation Survey
- 57.7 RECORDS OF THE CONSERVATION DIVISION 1900-80
- 57.7.1 General records
- 57.7.2 Records of the Oil and Gas Leasing Branch
- 57.7.3 Records of the Mining Branch
- 57.7.4 Records of the Land Classification Branch
- 57.7.5 Records of other units
- 57.8 RECORDS OF OTHER DIVISIONS AND BRANCHES
1839-1949
- 57.9 RECORDS RELATING TO THE PAN AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF GEOGRAPHY
AND HISTORY 1945-80
- 57.10 RECORDS OF REGIONAL OFFICES
1882-1990
- 57.10.1 Records of the Eastern Region (AL, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, VI, WV, WI)
- 57.10.2 Records of the Central Region (AR, CO, IA, KS, LA, MO, MT, NE, NM, ND, OK, SD, TX, UT, WY)
- 57.10.3 Records of the Western Region (AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA)
- 57.11 CARTOGRAPHIC RECORDS (GENERAL)
- 57.12 MOTION PICTURES (GENERAL)
- 57.13 MACHINE-READABLE RECORDS (GENERAL)
- 57.14 STILL PICTURES (GENERAL)
1874-1941
1,047 images
Established: In the Department of the Interior by the National Geologic Mapping Act of 1992 (106 Stat. 171), May 18, 1992, confirming the Interior Department Appropriation Act (105 Stat. 1000), November 13, 1991.
Predecessor Agencies:
In the Office of the Chief of Engineers, War Department:
- Geological Exploration of the Fortieth Parallel ("King Survey,"
1867-79)
- U.S. Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian ("Wheeler Survey," 1872-79)
In the Department of the Interior:
- U.S. Geographical and Geological Survey of the Rocky Mountain Region ("Powell Survey," 1869-79)
- U.S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories
("Hayden Survey," 1867-79)
- Geological Survey (1879-1991)
Functions: Identifies, surveys, and conducts research on national land, water, energy, and mineral resources. Classifies federal land for minerals, energy resources, and water power potential. Investigates natural hazards. Conducts the National Mapping Program.
Security Classified Records: This record group may include material that is security-classified.
Related Records: Record copies of publications of the U.S.
Geological Survey in RG 287, Publications of the U.S. Government.
Records of the Office of the Secretary of the Interior, RG 48.
Records of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, RG 70.
Records of the Bureau of Reclamation, RG 115.
57.2 RECORDS OF EARLY SURVEYS
1853-1900
57.2.1 Records of the King Survey
History: Established in the Office of the Chief of Engineers, War Department, by act of March 2, 1867 (14 Stat. 457), under direction of Clarence King, to explore the territories between the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains, including possible routes for the Pacific Railroad. Assigned to newly established Geological Survey, 1879. SEE 57.3.
Textual Records: Letters received from the Chief of Engineers and the Treasury Department, 1867-70; the Chief of Engineers, 1870- 81; and the Treasury Department and the Public Printer, 1870-79. Letters sent to the Chief of Engineers, 1867-79.
Microfilm Publications: M622.
Photographs (152 images): Mono Lake, NV; Virginia City, Nevada's mining operations; natural rock formations throughout the region; steam vents and fissures in NV; Salt Lake City, UT; the Green River Canyon, WY; the Uinta Mountains in Utah; the East Humboldt Mountains in Nevada; and Echo Canyon, UT; for the King Survey, by Tomothy O'Sullivan; including photographs of Mount Sashta, CA, by Carleton Watkins, 1867-72 (KS, KSU). SEE ALSO 57.14.
Related Records: Records of the Office of the Chief of Engineers, RG 77.
57.2.2 Records of the Powell Survey
History: Established to explore the Colorado River under the direction of Maj. John W. Powell by Joint Resolution 34 (15 Stat. 253), June 11, 1868, with the War Department to provide rations. Placed under Interior Department supervision by act of July 12, 1870 (16 Stat. 242). Extended by act of June 23, 1874 (18 Stat. 207) to continue in Utah and the Rocky Mountain region. Assigned to newly established Geological Survey, 1879. SEE 57.3.
Textual Records: Letters received, 1869-79. Letters sent, 1876- 79.
Microfilm Publications: M156.
Maps (20 items): Primarily Utah Territory, Black Hills, and Uinta Mountains, and including perspective views, 1875-79. SEE ALSO 57.11.
Photographic Prints and Glass Negatives (991 images): Rivers, canyons, and other landscape scenes along the Colorado River and its tributaries in AZ, UT, and WY, for the Powell Survey, by E.O. Beaman, J. Fennemore, and John K. Hillers, 1871-79; albums assembled by Maj. Joseph Wheat of stereoscopic views taken by Beaman, Fennemore, and Hillers of areas along the Colorado and Green Rivers, 1871-75, and of American Indian groups, including the Utes and Paiutes of the Colorado River area, 1873-74; and a few unrelated views of earthquake damage in Charleston, SC, 1886, and of geological formations in NC, GA, TN, NY, FL, CA, and the Chesapeake Bay area, by Hillers and others, 1886-1900 (JH, PS, PR, PL, PM, PE). SEE ALSO 57.14.
57.2.3 Records of the Hayden Survey
History: Established in the Department of the Interior by act of March 2, 1867 (14 Stat. 470), under direction of Ferdinand V. Hayden, to conduct a geological survey of Nebraska. Later extended to all the territories, and work was done in WY, ID, MT, NM, and CO. Assigned to newly established Geological Survey, 1879. SEE 57.3.
Textual Records: Letters received, 1871-79. Letters received from persons in foreign countries, 1859-79. Letters received from government agencies, 1867-79. Personal letters received, 1853-66, 1874-76. Fiscal records, 1869-80. Applications for positions, 1870-79.
Microfilm Publications: M623.
Maps (73 items): Published and manuscript topographic, geological, panoramic, and land use maps and atlases, 1869-81. SEE ALSO 57.11.
Photographs (1,407 images): Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and adjacent areas, for the Hayden Survey, by William H. Jackson, 1869-79, 1882-86 (HS, SV, WJ). SEE ALSO 57.14.
Drawings (53 images): Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and adjacent areas, for the Hayden Survey, primarily by Henry Wood Elliott and a few by William Henry Holmes, 1869-78 (HAA, HAB, HAC). SEE ALSO 57.14.
57.2.4 Records of the Wheeler Survey
History: Established in the Office of the Chief of Engineers, War Department, by act of June 10, 1872 (17 Stat. 367), under direction of Lt. George M. Wheeler, to continue "military and geographical surveys and explorations west of the one hundredth meridian." Assigned to newly established Geological Survey, 1879. SEE 57.3.
Textual Records: Report of the survey, 1872. Ethnology records, 1874-80.
Photographs (97 images): Grand Canyon, AZ; Canyon de Chelly, AZ; Alpine Lake in the Sierra Nevada of California; the Canyon of Kanab Wash in Utah; and Inscription Rock, NM; for the Wheeler Survey, by Timothy O'Sullivan and William Bell, 1871-73 (WS, WSA). SEE ALSO 57.14.
Related Records: Records of the Office of the Chief of Engineers, RG 77.
57.3 GENERAL RECORDS
1879-1994
History: Geological Survey established in the Interior Department by an act of March 3, 1879 (20 Stat. 394), to supervise activities of separate surveys then in progress and to centralize federal responsibilities for mineral, water, and energy surveys. Acquired responsibility for reclamation planning in the western United States pursuant to the Reclamation Act, also known as the Newlands Act (32 Stat. 388), June 17, 1902, with responsibility vested in Reclamation Service, Division of Hydrography. Reclamation Service (irrigation surveys and reclamation planning) separated from Geological Survey, March 9, 1907. Technologic Branch transferred to newly established Bureau of Mines by the Organic Act (36 Stat. 369), May 16, 1910. Mineral Resources Division transferred to Bureau of Mines by EO 4239, June 4, 1925. Geological Survey redesignated USGS, 1991. SEE 57.1.
Textual Records: Letters received, 1879-1901, with registers, 1879-1901, and indexes, 1880-89. Letters sent, 1879-95, 1919-52, 1965-74, with indexes, 1879-83. Correspondence and related records of the Office of the Director, ca. 1906-48. Central classified files, 1912-68 (367 ft.). Meeting files, 1980-87. Correspondence control cards, 1918-48 (200 ft.). Register of applications to geologic and ethnologic positions, 1879-82. Monthly reports, 1882-90. Reports, 1900-30. Records relating to budget formulation, 1932-69. General administrative issuances, 1950-72. Records relating to personnel, 1921-41. Directives and other organizational records, 1925-69.
Microfilm Publications: M152, M157, M590.
Maps (1,024 items): Incomplete record set of maps published in bulletins, circulars, monographs, professional papers, and water supply papers, ca. 1882-1981 (640 items), including atlases showing the geology of the Comstock Lode and Washoe District, UT and NV, by geologist George F. Becker, 1882, and the mining industry of Leadville, CO, by geologist Samuel Franklin Emmons, 1883. National Atlas of the United States of America, with supplementary published sheets, 1967-86 (383 items). Dedication map showing new Geological Survey building in Reston, VA, 1974 (1 item). USGS Historical Map File on Microfilm: microfilm copies of maps produced by USGS, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Defense Mapping Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Public Roads, and a few state geological surveys, 1884-1994 (474 rolls). SEE ALSO 57.11.
57.3.2 Program and policy records
Textual Records: Records of surveys of the Dominican Republic, 1917-23; and Haiti, 1917-25. Records concerning the President's Commission on Oil Reserves, 1922-27; and participation in interagency committees, 1944-68. Papers of John C. Reed, staff geologist for territories and island possessions, 1932-53. Papers of Chief Geographer Arch C. Gerlach, 1950-72. Correspondence of officials in charge of surveys, 1918-49.
Microfilm Publications: T282.
Maps (220 items): Early mapping and triangulation progress, 1888, 1917 (2 items). Administrative planning base maps of the United States, 1934-40 (2 items). Expedition to Death Valley, CA, 1891 (1 item). Survey maps of the Dominican Republic and Haiti (Hispaniola), including some by the Division of West Indian Surveys, 1919-22 (26 items). Physiographic regions of the United States and representative quadrangle maps, published as sets to show typical regional landforms, 1919-46 (13 items). Plats of school districts in McCormick County, SC, 1934 (175 items). Military activities in the United States, 1918 (1 item). SEE ALSO 57.11.
57.4 RECORDS OF THE GEOLOGIC DIVISION
1867-1985
History: Organized as a branch, 1901. Became a division, 1949.
Textual Records: General correspondence, 1897-1952 (93 ft.), with index, 1899-1915. Program records and reports, 1945-69. Monthly work reports, 1901-48. Allotment ledgers, 1902-19. Project files, 1948-70. Field notebooks, 1867-1939 (959 vols.), 1871-1964 (2,600 microfiche). Field notebooks relating to hydrology, 1907. Correspondence and related records of geologist Samuel Franklin Emmons, 1879-87; geologist Arnold Hague, 1880-1916; and paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh, 1885-99. Survey data collected by geological assistant Collier Cobb, 1887. Records of field notebooks (NN-057-88-031). Records of the Paleontology and Stratigraphy Branch, including records of the Geologic Names Committee, consisting of minutes of meetings, 1901-69, with accompanying sound recordings (16 items); summaries relating to stratigraphy, 1900-35; reports and other records relating to geological investigations, 1904-52; field notebooks, 1920, 1929- 49; field notebooks of C.L. Dake, 1930-31; records concerning the Ozarkian geologic system, ca. 1924-42; and records relating to the 1944 and 1962 editions of the Tectonic Map, 1935-65. Records of the Section of Areal Geology, 1907-19, consisting of correspondence relating to folios for the Geologic Atlas of the United States, and records relating to the Eastern and Western Areal and Structural Geology Sections. Correspondence relating to the New England-New York Inter-Agency Committee (NENYIAC) of Geologic Division staff member Louis W. Currier, who served as Geological Survey liaison to NENYIAC, 1950-55 (in Boston).
Maps (11,302 items): Yellowstone National Park surveys by Arnold Hague and his associates, ca. 1883-1904 (100 items). Manuscript maps and diagrams of mining districts, chiefly Leadville, CO, ca. 1885 (80 items). Administrative maps showing field project locations, status of geological mapping in the United States and Alaska, and coverage of published geologic maps and publications, 1947-85 (160 items). Published folios 1-227 of the Geologic Atlas of the United States, 1894-1929 (3,400 items). Published geological quadrangle maps, 1894-1929 (2,000 items). Manuscript compilation sheets for a publication on mineral deposits of the world, 1918 (149 items). Published U.S., state, county, local area, and foreign maps showing general geology, coal fields, oil fields, and gas fields, 1872-1979 (172 items). Published maps from local, state, and national geological organizations, 1940-70 (40 items). Incomplete published set of maps, 1940-84 (5,098 items), resulting from the following types of investigation and study: general geologic; antarctic; coal and other minerals, oil, and gas; and land use and cover. Missouri River basin and Tennessee River basin mineral investigations, 1933-51 (23 items). National Petroleum Reserve, AK, 1981-82 (80 items). SEE ALSO 57.11.
Photographs (5,600 images): Several types of geological features prevalent throughout the United States, mainly in the West, taken primarily by field geologists and other individuals while on surveys throughout the United States, including Grand Canyon, AZ; mines and mining activities throughout the United States and in foreign countries; Niagara Falls; Yellowstone Falls; views of fault lines and damaged buildings after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake; panning for gold in Alaska; oil fields in Los Angeles, CA; and Natural Bridge, VA, 1893-1908 (SA). SEE ALSO 57.14.
57.4.2 Records of the Mineral Deposits Branch
Textual Records: General administrative and correspondence files, 1909-53 (29 ft.). Records concerning mineral deposits, 1914-49; and strategic minerals, 1940-50. Records of investigations into iron ore, 1940-45; nonmetalliferous substances, 1942-47; magnesite, 1941-49; and western dolomite, 1942-46. Records and reports concerning Arkansas bauxite, 1941-46. Records of the Metalliferous Deposits Section relating to chromite, tungsten, and copper, 1940-50.
Maps (925 items): Bauxite investigations in AR, including diagrams of ore bodies and drilling holes, 1942-45. SEE ALSO 57.11.
57.4.3 Records of the Foreign Geology Section
Textual Records: Reports on strategic minerals in Brazil, 1942- 47. Records concerning the Brazil mica and quartz programs, 1943- 45.
Related Records: Records of the Defense Minerals Exploration Administration, RG 320.
57.4.4 Records of the Theoretical Geophysics Branch
Textual Records: Records of the Aleutian Volcano Project, 1948- 54. Radiation investigations, 1947-62. Project records, ca. 1942- 62. Working papers of Irwin Roman, 1944-49.
57.4.5 Records of the Trace Elements Planning and Coordination
Office (TEPCO)
Textual Records: Surveys of mineral lands, 1946-56. Reconnaissance reports, 1951-55. Records detailing relations between TEPCO and the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), including a general file of correspondence and memorandums ("AEC Chronological Files"), 1947-62; and records relating to TEPCO-AEC conferences, 1947-56.
57.4.6 Records of the Alaskan Geology Branch
Textual Records: Minutes of meetings, 1946-52. Reports, 1946-53. Records of core samples, 1947-53. Correspondence logs, 1957.
57.4.7 Records of the Fuels Branch
Textual Records: Records of the Western Field Investigation, 1930-54; and Eastern Field Investigation, 1923-53. Administrative and project files, 1949-54. Central classified files, 1953-58.
57.4.8 Records of the Military Geology Branch
Textual Records: Correspondence, 1943-53. Security-classified reports, 1948-54. Pacific geologic surveys, 1947-60. Records of the Alaskan Terrain and Permafrost Section, 1945-54.
Maps (15,000 items): German-language geologic maps of Europe, 1917-45. SEE ALSO 57.11.
Textual Records: Records of the Minerals Resources Branch, 1917- 19. Records of the Base Map Unit, 1941-60. Records of the Office of Radiohydrology relating to radioactive waste disposal, 1960-75.
57.5 RECORDS OF THE TOPOGRAPHIC DIVISION
1879-1991
History: Organized as a branch, 1889. Became a division, 1947.
Textual Records: General administrative files, 1879-1953. Central classified files, 1947-59 (83 ft.). Records relating to aerial mapping, 1927-48; and to cooperative mapping projects, 1927-47. Triangulation record books, 1882-1906. Records accumulated by Capt. William O. Tufts, 1917-19; and Joseph H. Pratt, 1938-41. Reference file, 1908-42. Records of the Colorado River Expeditions, 1917-28, 1938, including records of Col. Claude H. Birdseye's Grand Canyon trip, 1923. Records of the public works topographic survey projects, 1933-41; and the Forest Service mapping projects, 1934-37. Topographic map specification sheets, 1963-71. Microfilm copy of field and office computation notebooks, ca. 1882-1970 (3,700 rolls).
Maps (136,289 items): Administrative maps and related publications showing the status of topographic mapping and aerial photography, federal agencies responsible for coverage of specific areas, map symbols used, and mapping instructions, 1934- 77 (60 items). Manuscript and published maps of the United States, states, counties, river basins, metropolitan areas, national parks, Antarctica, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Samoa, and other areas, 1901-86 (2,286 items). Atlas portfolios, 1884- 1922 (82 items), including Physical Geography of the Texas Region by Robert Hill, 1900. Record set, with indexes, of the obsolete editions of published topographic quadrangle maps at varying scales that comprise the Topographic Map of the United States, ca. 1880-1986 (97,200 items). Special topographic maps of mining districts, national parks, forests, military reservations, and local areas, 1886-1986 (900 items). Manuscript (paste-up) topographic quadrangle maps of various parts of the United States, 1895-1947 (5,288 items). Field survey "metal mount" planetable sheets and photogrammetric compilation sheets used to prepare quadrangle maps in the eastern states, 1942-54 (8,000 items). Triangulation control planetable sheets for topographic quadrangle mapping, ca. 1903-30 (1,141 items). Manuscript field sheets from topographic surveys of parts of Alaska, 1890-1947 (500 items). River and dam site surveys, 1931-70 (2,747 items). Relief model of Antarctica, 1961 (1 item). Manuscript sheets from the International Map of the World, 1912-50 (29 items). Compilation techniques, 1927-52 (55 items). SEE ALSO 57.11. Geographic names database phase II quadrangles produced by the National Mapping Division, 1982-9 (18,000 items).
Aerial Photographs (34,845 items): Topographic map compilation project areas, principally in the northeastern and north-central United States, 1938-48, with photoindexes. SEE ALSO 57.11.
Finding Aids: Charles E. Taylor and Richard E. Spur, comps., Aerial Photographs in the National Archives, SL 25 (1973).
Lantern Slides (3,850 images): Lantern slides relating to geographical surveys and geological studies, created as visual aids for instructional lectures, and consists of photographs taken by scientific personnel during their field investigation documenting survey expeditions, geologic formations, mining camps, frontier towns, and indigenous Alaskan peoples, 1882-1959 (LS). SEE ALSO 57.14.
Finding Aids: Subject and geographic index cards, 1883-1959 (LSX, LSY) and caption lists, ca. 1882-1930 (LSW).
Related Records: Record copies of publications of the Topographic Division in RG 287, Publications of the U.S. Government.
57.6 RECORDS OF THE WATER RESOURCES DIVISION
1888-1986
History: Organized as a branch, 1906. Became a division, 1949.
Textual Records: Correspondence, 1907-54. General correspondence, 1923-77. Central classified files, 1953-68 (89 ft.). Director's confidential correspondence file, including reports on cooperative work with the Office of Indian Affairs, 1925. Circular letter file, 1918-53. Branch newsletters, 1918-25. Records relating to contracts, 1940-56. Annual narrative and statistical reports, 1933-47. Monthly progress reports, 1934-35. General fiscal records, 1897-1912, 1947-56; and fiscal records relating to cooperative agreements, 1945-63. Budget files, 1929-53. Correspondence with district engineers, 1909-49. Field office records, 1929-53. Office files of Glenn L. Parker, Carl G. Paulsen, and Luna Leopold, 1930-65. Director's memorandum file, 1919-54, and administrative orders file, 1919-53.
Maps (1,176 items): Administrative maps showing locations of division field offices and federal water resource development projects, 1927-58 (10 items). Water resource investigation index maps, showing locations of projects, 1977-78 (40 items). Published Hydrologic Investigations Atlas maps relating to the availability of ground water, 1954-86 (950 items). Hydrologic unit maps of states showing river basins, 1974 (100 items). Published maps from water resource investigation reports, 1977-86 (70 items). Miscellaneous stream flow and ground water maps, 1918-78 (6 items). SEE ALSO 57.11.
Related Records: Record copies of publications of the Water Resources Division in RG 287, Publications of the U.S. Government.
57.6.2 Records relating to various cooperative projects
Textual Records: Records documenting cooperation with state and territorial governments, 1903-30; federal agencies, 1916-52; and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1915-66. Interstate river compacts, 1923-54. Records of river investigations, including the Rio Grande Joint Investigation, 1935-39, and the Kootenai River Investigation, 1927-46. Water Resources Division councils' records, 1949-57. Records of the International Joint Commission of the United States and Canada, including records relating to the Passamaquoddy Tidal Power Project, Niagara Falls, and Milk River (MT) Basin, 1916-65; budget files, 1940-57; and miscellaneous correspondence, 1917-55. Records maintained by Brig. Gen. Hans Kramer as chairman of the Colorado-Kansas- Arkansas River Compact Commission, 1945-49, and as chairman of and U.S. representative on the Arkansas River Compact Administration, 1949-60. Minutes and transcripts of the Arkansas River Compact Commission, 1946-48, and the Arkansas River Compact Administration, 1949-55. Records relating to Mississippi River Valley stream flow studies, 1933-34. Records relating to the War Production Board, 1942-45, and the Weather Bureau, 1933-37. Records relating to federal emergency relief projects, 1933-38. Records relating to the Works Progress Administration, 1935-42; Public Works Administration, 1938-40; and Soil Conservation Service, 1933-57. Records of the Lake Mead and Lake Hefner projects, 1947-56. Report of the Lake Mead Comprehensive Survey (1948-49), 1954. Records concerning the Great Falls of the Potomac waterpower project, 1908-12. Records of the Planning Section concerning cooperation with federal agencies, states, and municipalities, 1955-69.
57.6.3 Records of the White Mountain Water Resources
Investigation
Textual Records: Field notes, precipitation and hydrographic data, and statistical summaries ("Data Files"), 1911-12. Administrative records, 1911-13. Records of river stations, 1911- 12. Miscellaneous stream flow data, 1903-25. Original Gurley Printing Gage records, 1912, consisting of preprinted paper strips measuring water discharge at gaging stations for various sites and dates, on 25 metal spools.
Maps (16 items): Topographic maps of New Hampshire watersheds, 1911-46. SEE ALSO 57.11.
Photographs (448 images): J.C. Hoyt collection, 1911-12. SEE ALSO 57.14.
57.6.4 Records of the Superpower Survey
Textual Records: Records of a study of a system for generating and distributing electricity between Boston, MA, and Washington, DC, including correspondence, 1919-23; minutes of advisory board meetings, 1920-21; statistical compilations and data files, 1918- 21; a report, 1921; and newspaper clippings, 1920-22.
57.6.5 Hydrologic data and reports
Textual Records: Annual statistical reports, 1950-53. Reports on data, 1951-52. Records relating to windmills, 1898. Hydrologic data manuscripts, 1904-6. Summaries of climatic data, 1909. Records relating to stream gaging in West Virginia, 1915-16. Tables of the Merrimack River Basin, 1935-36. Background data and papers, including records of the National Resources Planning Board's Subcommittee on the Gila Basin, and other water supply publications, 1935-40. Unpublished history of the Water Resources Branch, 1949-53.
57.6.6 Records of the Surface Water Branch
Textual Records: General correspondence, 1947-60. Central classified files, 1950-63. Studies of the Ohio River Basin, 1904- 17. Stream gaging procedures, 1920-39. Reference file on hydraulic research, 1930-48. Field notebooks, 1908-44. Meter readings, 1930-56. Studies of the New and Kanawha Rivers, 1919- 26. Reports of the technical standards section, highway program, 1940-62.
Maps (6 items): Colorado River, 1914-21. SEE ALSO 57.11.
Photographs (314 images): Colorado River, 1914-21. SEE ALSO 57.14.
57.6.7 Records of the Ground Water Branch
Textual Records: General correspondence and reports, 1920-54. Reports of branch and field offices, 1914-42. Records concerning public water supplies, 1930-39; mineral waters, 1890-1930; and ground water utilization, 1930-35, 1941-51. Correspondence and other records of E.O. Meinter, geologist in charge, relating to his activities in professional organizations, 1931-48. Salinity studies, 1934-39. Diaries of field trips, 1938-44.
57.6.8 Records of the Quality of Water Branch
Textual Records: Central classified files, 1945-62. Records of the chemist in charge, 1913-46. Analyses of surface waters for irrigation, 1947-48. Administrative correspondence and reports relating to field offices and laboratories, 1941-62. Records concerning radioactivity in water, 1945-58. Records concerning the quality of water in Missouri, 1945-59. Reports on new construction of power plants, 1938-42.
57.6.9 Records of the Division of Power Resources
Textual Records: Records concerning cooperation with Federal Power Commission projects, 1921-46. Reports on the production of power, 1919-28, developed water power, 1921-40; and electric power, 1925-45. Reference file on power consumption, 1917-37. Consular reports on foreign water supplies, 1913-44.
57.6.10 Records of the Water Utilization Branch
Textual Records: Letters sent, 1933-40. Budget files, 1940-44. Physiographic studies of flood flow, 1939-41. Hydrologic studies, 1924-42. Investigations into floods, 1935-52.
57.6.11 Records of the General Hydrology Branch
Textual Records: Correspondence files, 1920-59. Records relating to programs and projects, 1915-58. Reports concerning water for livestock, 1942-59. Records of the Reports Section, 1889-1963.
57.6.12 Records relating to the Powell Irrigation Survey
Textual Records: Records concerning field operations, 1889-90. Irrigation reports, 1893-98. Disbursement ledgers, 1888-89. Journals of expenditures, 1894-99.
57.7 RECORDS OF THE CONSERVATION DIVISION
1900-80
History: Established July 1, 1925, by Survey Order 115, which consolidated the former Land Classification Branch with the Oil Leasing Organization and the Mineral Leasing Division, both transferred from the Bureau of Mines. Became a division, 1949.
Textual Records: Central correspondence ("Mission Control Files"), 1941-76. Reports on the operation of power systems on federal lands, 1910-49. Records relating to the Red River oil operation, 1924-26; cooperation with the Federal Power Commission, 1917-49; and the sale of government royalty oil, 1946-62. Plat classification index cards, 1900-74. Indian land classification records, 1912-18.
Maps (4,540 items): Published land classification maps of the Great Plains, showing farming and grazing lands and physiographic regions, 1930 (24 items). Coal classification plats, 1906-79 (4,500 items). Coal classified lands, 1929-64 (9 items). Miscellaneous, from the Indian land classified records, 1912-18 (7 items). SEE ALSO 57.11.
57.7.2 Records of the Oil and Gas Leasing Branch
Textual Records: Monthly reports, 1924-66 (165 vols.). Statistical data, 1934-61. Conference records, 1930-68. Proposals to conserve oil and gas, 1934-41.
57.7.3 Records of the Mining Branch
Textual Records: Reports on mine safety, 1933-35. Records relating to cooperation on public works projects and with New Deal agencies on mines, 1933-43.
57.7.4 Records of the Land Classification Branch
History: Established as a section of the Geologic Branch, December 18, 1908, with responsibility for mineral and hydrographic classification of public lands. Became separate branch within Geological Survey, May 1, 1912. Absorbed by Conservation Branch, 1925.
Textual Records: Mineral land classification, withdrawal, and restoration books, 1903-24. Coal and potash land classification, withdrawal, and restoration files, 1908-80. Land classification files, 1906-72. Railroad land grant records, 1907-31. Telegrams and travel itineraries of land classification attorney George West Holland, 1922-31.
Maps (140 items): States and plats, from the land classification, withdrawal, and restoration books, 1903-24 (10 items). Plats and western regions, from the coal and potash land classification, withdrawal, and restoration files, 1908-80 (110 items). Miscellaneous, from the land classification files, 1906-72 (10 items); and the railroad land grant records, 1907-31 (10 items). SEE ALSO 57.11.
Photographs (15 images): Terrain and mining areas, from the coal and potash land classification, withdrawal, and restoration files, 1908-80 (5 images). Miscellaneous, from the railroad land grant records, 1907-31 (10 images). SEE ALSO 57.14.
Textual Records: Land and stream classifications, 1900-61, maintained by the Water and Power Branch. Correspondence and records of the Branch of Connally Act Compliance, 1930-70.
Maps (210 items): Control maps for western states prepared by the Branch of Waterpower Classification, depicting rights of way and easements under 1901 and 1911 federal statutes, 1901-46. SEE ALSO 57.11.
Subject Access Terms: Connally "Hot Oil" Act (1935).
57.8 RECORDS OF OTHER DIVISIONS AND BRANCHES
1839-1949
Textual Records: Records of the Division of Engraving and Printing, including general correspondence, 1941-49; and records relating to the National Mapping Plan, 1934-36, the American Society of Photogrammetry, 1938-40, a conference on Inter- American relations, 1939, and patents, 1936-39. Records of the Division of Book Publication, 1887-1938, including records concerning production of the Geologic Atlas, 1893-99. Central files of the Alaska Branch, 1899-37. Records of the Biological Resources Division, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, consisting of site visit files, 1917-49.
Maps (3,637 items): Manuscript maps, drawings, cross sections, and diagrams used by the Illustrations Section of the Publications Branch in bulletins, professional papers, monographs, water supply papers, annual reports, circulars, press memorandums, and other publications, 1874-1948 (3,580 items). Maps of the Alaska Branch showing Cunningham coal land claims, 1905 (39 items). Geological Survey Library historical maps showing Seminole War operations in FL, and giving Civil War census data for MS, LA, MO, and AR, 1839-65 (3 items). Uinta Indian Reservation canal survey by a Geological Survey reclamation hydrographer, 1900 (15 items). SEE ALSO 57.11.
57.9 RECORDS RELATING TO THE PAN AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF GEOGRAPHY
AND HISTORY 1945-80
Textual Records: Correspondence, reports, and related records, 1945-77. Records relating to the U.S. National Section of the Commission on Cartography, 1964-80. Records relating to commissions on geography, geophysics, and history, 1950-71. English- and Spanish-language editions of Boletin Aereo, 1955-72. Reference materials, 1955-74.
57.10 RECORDS OF REGIONAL OFFICES
1882-1990
57.10.1 Records of the Eastern Region (AL, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, VI, WV, WI)
Textual Records: Inquiries and related correspondence received by the Ground Water Branch, New York-New England District, 1933-54 (in New York). General correspondence, 1944-58; programs and plans, 1953-59; and monthly reports of water level measurements, 1942-61, maintained by the Harrisburg, PA, field office, Ground Water Branch, Water Resources Division (in Philadelphia).
Maps (232 items): Atlanta, GA, field office map showing river measurement gages in Georgia, 1933-40 (1 item). Maps (in Boston), compiled by the New England Field Office, Conservation Division, consisting of strategic minerals investigations maps, Maine, 1942-45 (21 items); annotated Geological Survey base maps of New York and New England used by the Mineral Resources Study and Report Group of the New England-New York Inter-Agency Committee, 1952-55 (202 items); and geologic maps of Massachusetts, ca. 1955 (8 items). SEE ALSO 57.11.
Charts (20,500 items, in Atlanta): National water data storage and retrieval system hydrological charts, 1981-90 (15,500 items); and rain gage charts, 1986-92 (5,000 items). SEE ALSO 57.11.
57.10.2 Records of the Central Region (AR, CO, IA, KS, LA, MO, MT, NE, NM, ND, OK, SD, TX, UT, WY)
Textual Records: Records maintained by the Topographic Division, Rolla, MO, including field notes of survey, 1882-1948 (4,558 vols.) created during the systematic surveys of public and private lands in AL, AR, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NM, ND, OH, TX, WI, WY, the territories of Dakota and Oklahoma, and the Indian Territory (in Kansas City). Astronomical observations conducted at Washington University Observatory, St. Louis, MO, 1882-92 (in Kansas City). Records of the district mining engineer at McAlester, OK, including case files on mining in segregated Choctaw-Chickasaw land, 1899-1944; agreements maintained by the oil and gas supervisor at New Orleans on leases of tideland areas, 1956-57; and regional records of the Branch of Connally Act Compliance, Conservation Division, 1930-66 (in Fort Worth). Records of the Geodetic Control Unit, consisting of field notebooks for surveys conducted primarily in CO, NM, MT, TX, and WY, including miscellaneous volumes for AZ, SD, and ID, 1884-1906 (in Denver). General correspondence relating to the Mineral Deposit Branch, 1931-62 (in Denver). Correspondence relating to mapping projects and other operations, 1946-67 (in Denver).
Maps (251 items): Tulsa and Muskogee, OK, field office maps of Indian reservations, 1933-40. (4 items). Topographical township maps for areas adjacent to the Beaverhead National Forest, MT, 1911, 1979 (7 items, in Denver). Topographical and other maps for a variety of parks, reservoirs, mountain, and wilderness areas in AZ, CO, MT, NM, TX,UT, and WA, 1911-61 (240 items, in Denver). SEE ALSO 57.11.
Photographs (23,000 images, in Denver): Albums containing black and white photographs documenting a wide variety of survey projects throughout the United States and overseas, including photographs and stereopticons created during the Jackson and Powell surveys, and views of mills, mines, quarries, manufacturing plants, and geologic foundations, 1869-1959. SEE ALSO 57.14.
57.10.3 Records of the Western Region (AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, NV, OR, WA)
Textual Records: General correspondence of the Topographic Division, Sacramento, CA, 1928-53 (in San Francisco). Publications and issuances, Sacramento, CA, 1961-72 (in Los Angeles). Records of the Alaskan Geology Branch, Geologic Division, Menlo Park, CA, relating to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, 1970-72 (in San Francisco). Hydrographic Division county survey sheets and related records, principally for Los Angeles and Orange Counties, CA, showing locations of artesian wells on privately owned land, 1891-1906 (in Los Angeles). Records of the Branch of Astrogeology, Flagstaff, AZ, consisting of correspondence of Harold Shoemaker, head of astrogeology, 1950-72; and correspondence and reports of senior scientist Harold Masursky, 1947-90 (in Los Angeles). Records of the Pacific Coast Area Office, Water Resources Division, Tacoma, WA, including general subject correspondence, 1912-49 (in Seattle); correspondence and other records of the Washington State Water Resource Council, 1949-64 (in Seattle); interagency and conference records of the Columbia Basin Interagency Committee, 1950-67 (in Seattle); and program mission files of the regional hydrologist, 1946-60 (in San Francisco). Records collected and assembled for the International Joint Commission by the Boise, ID, District Office of the Water Resources Division in connection with the Kootenai Valley Investigation, 1928-58 (in Seattle). Records of the Surface Water Branch, Portland, OR, consisting of mission correspondence, 1931-47; and international activities reports, 1921-39 (in Seattle).
Maps (19 items, in Seattle): Portfolios of oversized maps of the Cle Elum River, WA, iron area, produced by the Spokane, WA, District Office, Water Resources Division, ca. 1942-43. SEE ALSO 57.11.
Aerial Photographs (6,220 items, including 21 rolls of negatives, in Seattle): Miscellaneous, compiled by the Water Resources Division, Tacoma, WA, 1974. SEE ALSO 57.11.
57.11 CARTOGRAPHIC RECORDS (GENERAL)
SEE Maps UNDER 57.2.2, 57.2.3, 57.3.1, 57.3.2, 57.4.1, 57.4.2,
57.4.8, 57.5, 57.6.1, 57.6.3, 57.6.6, 57.7.1, 57.7.4, 57.7.5, 57.8,
57.10.1, 57.10.2, and 57.10.3.
SEE Charts UNDER 57.10.1.
SEE Aerial Photographs UNDER 57.5 and 57.10.3.
57.12 MOTION PICTURES (GENERAL): Films relating to topography, describing methods used to survey and map the topography of the earth and contains some propriety footage, 1947-74 (16 reels).
57.13 MACHINE-READABLE RECORDS (GENERAL)
Machine-Readble Records (16 data sets): Royalty accounting schedule, 1981.
57.14 STILL PICTURES (GENERAL)
1874-1941
Photographs (1,040 images): Areas of Colorado, including Indian ruins, by William H. Jackson, 1874 (HSA, 20 images). Robert B. Stanton survey of the Colorado River, 1889-90 (RS, RSA, RSB; 881 images). Miscellaneous photographs used in agency publications, 1881-1941 (ISA, ISB, ISC; 104 images). Miscellaneous views of landscapes, towns, farms, mines, and railroads, 1880-1900 (MA, 35 images), in album.
Photographic Prints (7 images): Mounted prints of Lake Tahoe, CA, and vicinity, published by William Jackson Photo Company, ca. 1885 (HSB).
SEE Photographs UNDER 57.2.1, 57.2.3, 57.2.4, 57.4.1, 57.6.3, 57.6.6, 57.7.4, and 57.10.2.
SEE Photographic Prints and Glass Negatives UNDER 57.2.2.
SEE Lantern Slides UNDER57.5.1.
SEE Drawings UNDER 57.2.3.
Bibliographic note: Web version based on Guide to Federal Records in the National Archives of the United States. Compiled by Robert B. Matchette et al. Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration, 1995.
3 volumes, 2428 pages.
This Web version is updated from time to time to include records processed since 1995.
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