How The States Got Their Shapes
How The States Got Their Shapes: A River Runs Through It (42:16)
In many cases, bodies of water have defined the borders of American states. Explore the history behind these meandering lines that traverse our map.
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How The States Got Their Shapes: Red State vs. Blue State
How The States Got Their Shapes: Red State vs. Blue StateVideo Clip (22:08)
Video Clip (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?
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How The States Got Their Shapes: The Great Plains, Trains & Automobiles
How The States Got Their Shapes: The Great Plains, Trains & AutomobilesVideo Clip (43:38)
Video Clip (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?
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How The States Got Their Shapes: Force of Nature
How The States Got Their Shapes: Force of NatureVideo Clip (43:55)
Video Clip (43:55)
Find out how natural disasters including tornadoes, earthquakes and even asteroids have helped shape our states.
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How The States Got Their Shapes: State of Rebellion
How The States Got Their Shapes: State of RebellionVideo Clip (44:01)
Video Clip (44:01)
How did the most rebellious states get their shapes? Learn how Texas was almost five states, why there are two Carolinas and why Montana looks like it took a bite out of Idaho.
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How The States Got Their Shapes: Living On The Edge
How The States Got Their Shapes: Living On The EdgeVideo Clip (43:33)
Video Clip (43:33)
What secrets are hiding within our borders? Visit Area 51, explore Key West's attempted secession from Florida and check out some unique real estate made from old missile bunkers in Kansas.
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How The States Got Their Shapes: Use It or Lose It
How The States Got Their Shapes: Use It or Lose ItVideo Clip (43:18)
Video Clip (43:18)
If you think our state borders were set in stone by powerful legislation, you might be surprised to find out that they were actually up for grabs in America's chaotic early years.
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How The States Got Their Shapes: Church and States
How The States Got Their Shapes: Church and StatesVideo Clip (43:32)
Video Clip (43:32)
Whether they were fighting for turf or simply keeping the faith, many states have been shaped by the religious beliefs of their constituents.
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How The States Got Their Shapes: A Boom With a View
How The States Got Their Shapes: A Boom With a ViewVideo Clip (43:29)
Video Clip (43:29)
Through boom times or bust, the sweet smell of profit has drawn and redrawn our borders. Find out how money has helped draft our map.
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How The States Got Their Shapes: A River Runs Through It
How The States Got Their Shapes: A River Runs Through ItVideo Clip (42:16)
Video Clip (42:16)
In many cases, bodies of water have defined the borders of American states. Explore the history behind these meandering lines that traverse our map.
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How The States Got Their Shapes: Culture Clash
How The States Got Their Shapes: Culture ClashVideo Clip (43:40)
Video Clip (43:40)
Conflict can sometimes arise between different cultures that share the same state. Find out how culture clashes all over the country have shaped our map.
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How The States Got Their Shapes: Mouthing Off
How The States Got Their Shapes: Mouthing OffVideo Clip (43:47)
Video Clip (43:47)
We all live in the same country, so why do we all sound so different? Learn about the various American accents and where they come from.
