Library of Congress Launches Interactive Map of Carol Highsmith's 50-State Archive

The Library of Congress has created an interactive map charting the archive of photographer Carol Highsmith, who has documented all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Over 70,000 of her rights-free images are now available on the map, with more to come as she revisits favorite locations. Highsmith has donated some 100,000 images to the Library since the 1980s, available under a Creative Commons license. The map allows users to browse photos by clicking on blue circles linked to cities or counties; a small number are only identified by state. Library Innovator in Residence Vivian Li described the feat as 'almost unbelievable.' Highsmith, called an 'expert architectural photographer' by the Library, captures national parks, artisans, signs, historic houses, and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge from unusual vantage points. She describes her photographs as 'shiny coins' reflecting the beauty and optimism of the U.S., especially as the nation approaches its 250th birthday. About a decade ago, Highsmith sued Getty Images for $1 billion over alleged 'gross misuse' of nearly 20,000 of her public-domain images; Getty had also billed her for using her own photos. The case was dismissed.