American scientist-explorers have been making geologic maps since before the Bureau's inception in 1879. Learn about some of the premier USGS geologists who, through their work, have done so much to shape our understanding of the geologic framework of the Nation:

Nelson Horatio Darton (1865-1948)

One of the first USGS geologic mappers and scientific photographer.

Thomas Wilson Dibblee, Jr. (1911-2004)

The man who mapped California.

Philip Burke King (1903-1987)

Produced the definitive geologic map of the United States.

J. David Love, Sr. (1913-2002)

Featured in John McPhee's 1986 book "Rising from the Plains".