Cooperative mapping programs between the USGS and the State of Indiana began in the 1920's. Among the most popular products are the topographic maps at the scale of 1:24,000 (1 inch on the map represents 2,000 feet on the ground). These maps depict basic natural and cultural features of the landscape, such as lakes and streams, highways and railroads, boundaries, and geographic names. Contour lines are used to depict the elevation and shape of the terrain. Indiana, which is covered by 710 maps at this scale, was the first State under the program to have complete coverage. The maps are used not only by engineers, scientists, and resource managers, but also by the general public who enjoy hiking, exploring, and other outdoor activities.

Interesting Midwest earthquake info from the USGS:

The central Mississippi Valley is the most earthquake-prone region of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Crosses show the locations of the many earthquakes recorded in the New Madrid seismic zone since 1974.

The 400 terrified residents in the town of New Madrid (Missouri) were abruptly awakened by violent shaking and a tremendous roar. It was December 16, 1811, and a powerful earthquake had just struck. This was the first of three magnitude-8 earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks to rock the region that winter.