America's Historic Trails

Watch America's Historic Trails

  • 1997
  • 1 Season

America's Historic Trails is a documentary series from PBS that explores the history and cultural significance of some of the most iconic trails in the United States. Through a combination of stunning visuals, expert commentary, and personal narratives, the show illuminates the stories of the people who traversed these trails and the impact that they had on American society.

Each episode focuses on a different trail, tracing the route from its origins to the present day. The featured trails include the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe Trail, the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Juan Bautista de Anza Trail, and the Iditarod Trail, among others. These trails served as lifelines for early settlers, traders, prospectors, and explorers, and played a crucial role in the development of the American West.

The series draws on a range of perspectives to tell the story of the trails. Historians, archaeologists, and other experts provide in-depth analysis of the events that unfolded along each route, while descendants of the trailblazers share personal accounts of their ancestors' experiences. The combination of these perspectives provides a nuanced portrait of American history that is both educational and engaging.

The show also highlights the natural beauty of the landscapes through which the trails pass. Viewers are treated to breathtaking vistas of mountains, deserts, forests, and rivers, and are invited to consider the impact that these environments had on the people who traversed the trails. Along the way, the program investigates the flora and fauna of each trail, exploring the unique ecosystems that exist in each region.

One of the key strengths of America's Historic Trails is its emphasis on the multicultural aspects of American history. Many of the trails featured on the show were used by people from a range of cultural backgrounds, including Native Americans, Hispanics, Chinese, and African Americans. The show explores the complex relationships that existed between these groups and the dominant culture, and sheds light on the contributions that each group made to the development of the American West.

The show also considers the contemporary relevance of the trails. Many of the trails have been designated as National Historic Trails, and efforts are underway to preserve and protect them for future generations. The show examines the challenges of preserving these historic routes in the face of modern development, and considers the ways in which they continue to shape American identity and culture.

Overall, America's Historic Trails is an informative and engrossing series that offers a fresh perspective on American history. Through its vivid imagery and thoughtful analysis, the show invites viewers to explore the stories of the trailblazers who shaped the American West, and to consider the ongoing significance of their legacy. Whether you are a history buff or simply a lover of the great outdoors, this show is sure to inspire and educate.

America's Historic Trails is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (7 episodes). The series first aired on April 1, 1997.

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Seasons
Yukon Gold Rush Trail
7. Yukon Gold Rush Trail
June 24, 1997
Three gold strikes sent thousands scrambling for the frozen gold fields of the far north between 1896 and 1903. Driven by optimism and gullibility, many found only ruin.
The California Trail and El Camino Real
6. The California Trail and El Camino Real
May 27, 1997
Shopkeepers and farmers dropped everything to join the California Gold Rush, but first they had to cross the deadly Forty-Mile Desert and the treacherous Sierra Nevada.
The Great Wagon Road and the Wilderness Trail
5. The Great Wagon Road and the Wilderness Trail
May 20, 1997
The Great Wagon Road carried hopeful settlers out of Philadelphia and into the wilds of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
The Mormon Trail and California's Mission Trail
4. The Mormon Trail and California's Mission Trail
May 13, 1997
The Mormon Trail crossed the Great Plains to the Great Salt Lake, bringing the devoted followers of Brigham Young to their new Zion. California's Mission Trail linked a chain of old Spanish Missions along the California's coastline from San Fernando to Sonoma.
Great Wagon Road & Wilderness Trail
3. Great Wagon Road & Wilderness Trail
April 29, 1997
The Great Wagon Road carried hopeful settlers out of Philadelphia and into the wilds of Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The 1,000 mile length of the Wilderness Trail traversed the Shenandoah Valley, crossed the Cumberland Gap and forged into the unknown lands of Kentucky.
Ricer Road and Natchez Trace
2. Ricer Road and Natchez Trace
April 15, 1997
Riverboat-men used The River Road and Natchez Trace for their up-river return trip from New Orleans. These enterprising roustabouts braved vicious land pirates and swamps infested with alligators and water moccasins to make their way back to Natchez and Nashville.
The Old Post Road
1. The Old Post Road
April 1, 1997
Early roads were lifelines thrown across deep wilderness to the isolated residents of colonial America's far-flung settlements. The Old Post Road carried supplies, mail and exhausted travelers through 300 miles of wild back-country between Boston and New York in the 1600s.
Description
Where to Watch America's Historic Trails
America's Historic Trails is available for streaming on the PBS website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch America's Historic Trails on demand at Amazon Prime.
  • Premiere Date
    April 1, 1997