Follow H2 and How The States Got Their Shapes
Featured Videos, Photos & Interactives
-
How Illinois Got Its Shape
How Illinois Got Its Shape
Video Clip (2:23)
The Illinois Territory’s northern boundary originally ended at the southernmost point of Lake Michigan, leaving it with no port on the Great Lakes, and, crucially, no access to the proposed Erie Canal. Congress shifted the border north, taking land from Wisconsin, and giving Chicago to Illinois.
Video Clip (2:23)
-
How Florida Got Its Shape
How Florida Got Its Shape
Video Clip (2:18)
Florida was once Spanish and much larger. Its panhandle stretched from the Savannah River to the Mississippi, but, over time, the Spanish relinquished land and the entire area came under American control.
Video Clip (2:18)
-
How California Got Its Shape
How California Got Its Shape
Video Clip (1:53)
With the discovery of gold in 1848, thousands of prospectors poured into California. When it came time to create a state, the new residents wanted to make sure California included all potential gold fields in the Sierra Nevada range, and so drew their own borders.
Video Clip (1:53)
-
-
Hatfields & McCoys
Hatfields & McCoys
Video Clip (3:07)
One of the country's most famous family feuds began over a simple case of a stolen pig.
Video Clip (3:07)
-
The Fur Trade Shapes the West
The Fur Trade Shapes the West
Video Clip (2:44)
Beaver furs were one of the first commodities settlers traded with Europe.
Video Clip (2:44)
-
Full Episodes
-
How The States Got Their Shapes: White Collar vs. Blue Collar
How The States Got Their Shapes: White Collar vs. Blue Collar
Full Episode (22:06)
The white collar and blue collar divide has shaped our cities and our states. How did this rivalry change the way we all bring home the bacon?
Full Episode (22:06)
-
How The States Got Their Shapes: Red State vs. Blue State
How The States Got Their Shapes: Red State vs. Blue State
Full Episode (22:08)
It's a rivalry that tears us apart every four years, but how did our nation divide into red states and blue states, and what happens to the states caught in the middle?
Full Episode (22:08)
-
How The States Got Their Shapes: The Great Plains, Trains & Automobiles
How The States Got Their Shapes: The Great Plains, Trains & Automobiles
Full Episode (43:38)
The history of transportation in the United States is hidden in the lines of the map. From canals to trains to cars, how did getting around help the states get their shapes?
Full Episode (43:38)
-
Related Topics
-
The States
Stretching more than 3,000 miles from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the United States of America is comprised of 50 states, each with its own unique traditions and history.
Other Shows You Might Like
-
American Pickers
Travel along with the American Pickers as they scour the country's junkyards, barns and basements for hidden gems.
-
Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy
Larry the Cable Guy crisscrosses the nation, going totally off the beaten path to find the people, places and things that define this nation's unique history.
Classroom Study Guides
-
How the States Got Their Shapes Guide (PDF)
View this teacher's guide for activities and classroom resources related to How the States Got Their Shapes.
Shop HISTORY
-
How the States Got Their Shapes DVD
Every line on the U.S. map tells a great story. This best-selling HISTORY special outlines the unique circumstances that shaped each United state!
$19.99
Buy Now -
The States DVD Set
A lavish tour of each and every of our 50 states! Get the entire 10-part series on 3 DVDs.
$24.47
Buy Now -
Kids' 55-Piece Puzzle of the USA
With the pieces shaped like the states of the US, the puzzle offers a great geography lesson.
Email Updates
Keep up with the latest History shows, online features, special offers and more.
Sign up
