Ep 3. 10 Towns that Changed America
- TV-PG
- April 19, 2016
- 54 min
"10 That Changed America" season 1 episode 3 focuses on "10 Towns that Changed America." In this episode, viewers will explore the significance of ten towns that have shaped the history and landscape of the United States. From the founding of Williamsburg, Virginia in 1699 to the modern planning of Levittown, New York in the 20th century, these towns have had a profound impact on American society.
The episode begins with a look at Williamsburg, which was the capital of Virginia during colonial times. The town was meticulously restored in the early 20th century to reflect its original 18th-century appearance. Viewers will learn about the town's importance as a center of political and social activity during the American Revolution and its role in shaping early American architecture.
Next, the episode examines Chicago, which emerged as a major industrial center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city's urban planning, which included the development of the first skyscrapers, had a major influence on the shape of modern American cities.
Moving on, viewers will learn about Greenbelt, Maryland, a New Deal-era planned community established in 1937. Greenbelt was designed to provide affordable housing and community amenities for low-income families, and it served as a model for future suburban development.
The episode also explores the impact of Levittown, New York, one of the first mass-produced suburban housing developments in the country. Built in the late 1940s, Levittown provided affordable housing for thousands of families and set the stage for the post-World War II suburban boom.
Other towns featured in the episode include St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest continuously occupied European-established city in the United States; Gary, Indiana, a major steel production center in the early 20th century; Riverside, Illinois, a picturesque suburb designed by Frederick Law Olmsted; Southwest Harbor, Maine, a hub of boat-building and maritime activity; Virginia City, Nevada, a boomtown during the 1860s gold rush; and Silicon Valley, California, a center of technological innovation and entrepreneurship in the modern era.
Through interviews with scholars, historians, and local residents, viewers will learn about the unique characteristics and historical significance of each of these towns. "10 Towns that Changed America" offers a fascinating look at the ways in which these communities have shaped the course of American history and culture.