How The States Got Their Shapes

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How The States Got Their Shapes: Living On The Edge (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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Full Episodes

  • How The States Got Their Shapes: North vs. South
    How The States Got Their Shapes: North vs. South

    Video Clip (22:06)

    It's a historic rivalry that culminated in the Civil War. But are the battles really over, or are we still fighting a war of cultures?

    Video Clip (22:06)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: Hatfields vs. McCoys
    How The States Got Their Shapes: Hatfields vs. McCoys

    Video Clip (22:07)

    America's most iconic rivalry was more than just a family feud. The fight between the Hatfields and McCoys nearly launched a war between two states.

    Video Clip (22:07)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: Hillbilly vs. Redneck
    How The States Got Their Shapes: Hillbilly vs. Redneck

    Video Clip (22:07)

    Two underdogs of American culture go head to head to prove how hillbillies and rednecks have shaped our states.

    Video Clip (22:07)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: White Collar vs. Blue Collar
    How The States Got Their Shapes: White Collar vs. Blue Collar

    Video Clip (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?

    Video Clip (22:06)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: The Great Plains, Trains & Automobiles
    How The States Got Their Shapes: The Great Plains, Trains & Automobiles

    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?

    Video Clip (43:38)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: Force of Nature
    How The States Got Their Shapes: Force of Nature

    Video Clip (43:55)

    Find out how natural disasters including tornadoes, earthquakes and even asteroids have helped shape our states.

    Video Clip (43:55)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: State of Rebellion
    How The States Got Their Shapes: State of Rebellion

    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.

    Video Clip (44:01)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: Living On The Edge
    How The States Got Their Shapes: Living On The Edge

    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.

    Video Clip (43:33)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: Use It or Lose It
    How The States Got Their Shapes: Use It or Lose It

    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.

    Video Clip (43:18)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: Church and States
    How The States Got Their Shapes: Church and States

    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.

    Video Clip (43:32)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: A Boom With a View
    How The States Got Their Shapes: A Boom With a View

    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.

    Video Clip (43:29)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: A River Runs Through It
    How The States Got Their Shapes: A River Runs Through It

    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.

    Video Clip (42:16)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: Culture Clash
    How The States Got Their Shapes: Culture Clash

    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.

    Video Clip (43:40)
  • How The States Got Their Shapes: Mouthing Off
    How The States Got Their Shapes: Mouthing Off

    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.

    Video Clip (43:47)