This program chronicles the trials and tribulations of settling the west and the stories of the people who were obsessed by the notion of imminent success on the American frontier. The quest for gold transformed America, bringing in over 500,000 people into the California territory and is responsible for the eventual industrialization of the west. Using primary sources, reenactments, and expert analysis, this program explains the premises for moving west and dissects the myths of the 19th century American frontier.

60-minute runtime; two-year copyright clearance.

Aug 30 at 6:00AM ET/PT