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A nine-part series chronicling the turbulent history of one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth. Beginning when the land belonged only to Native Americans and ending in the 20th century, the film introduces unforgettable characters whose competing dreams transformed the land. It was a tragic, inspiring intersection where the best of us met the worst of us—and nothing was left unchanged.

Watch • 3:42
The West
Extraordinary Landscape
The terrain of the West has always beckoned and repelled.
Clip: 3:42
Watch • 3:03
The West
Exploring The West
Explorers came to the West from every point of the compass.
Clip: 3:03
Watch • 4:51
The West
The Role of Horses
The utilization of horses changed the way of life for Native American people forever.
Clip: 4:51
Latest Episodes
Watch • 1:24:53
The West
The Geography of Hope
Newcomers arrive by the millions, bringing a spirit of conformity to the West.
Episode: S1996 E7 | 1:24:53
Watch • 1:02:58
The West
One Sky Above Us
As the 20th century neared, Americans celebrated with the World Columbian Exposition.
Episode: S1996 E9 | 1:02:58
Watch • 58:38
The West
Ghost Dance
As settlers race to claim tribal lands, Native Americans take up the Ghost Dance.
Episode: S1996 E8 | 58:38
Watch • 1:22:20
The West
The People
The West begins as the whole world to the people who live there. It becomes a New World.
Episode: S1996 E1 | 1:22:20
Watch • 1:25:13
The West
Speck of the Future
The Gold Rush brings the whole world to the West.
Episode: S1996 E3 | 1:25:13
Watch • 1:24:51
The West
Death Runs Riot
Civil war comes early to the West.
Episode: S1996 E4 | 1:24:51
Watch • 1:25:05
The West
Fight No More Forever
The federal government tightens its grip on the West.
Episode: S1996 E6 | 1:25:05
Watch • 1:24:30
The West
Empire Upon the Trails
Americans head west along many pathways.
Episode: S1996 E2 | 1:24:30
Watch • 1:24:32
The West
The Grandest Enterprise Under God
A triumph of the human spirit, the transcontinental railroad opens a new era in the West.
Episode: S1996 E5 | 1:24:32
More History Shows