The National Parks: America's Best Idea

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  • : 6
  • : 16
  • PBS
  • 20
  • Documentary History

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The Scripture of Nature (1851–1890)
Episode overview
In 1851, word spreads across the country of a beautiful area of California's Yosemite Valley, attracting visitors who wish to exploit the land's scenery for commercial gain and those who .. show full overview
1x2
The Last Refuge (1890–1915)
Episode overview
By the end of the 19th century, widespread industrialization has left many Americans worried about whether the country—once a vast wilderness—will have any pristine land left. At the .. show full overview
1x3
The Empire of Grandeur (1915–1919)
Episode overview
In the early 20th century, America has a dozen national parks, but they are a haphazard patchwork of special places under the supervision of different federal agencies. The conservation .. show full overview
1x4
Going Home (1920–1933)
Episode overview
While visiting the parks was once predominantly the domain of Americans wealthy enough to afford the high-priced train tours, the advent of the automobile allows more people than ever .. show full overview
1x5
Great Nature (1933–1945)
Episode overview
To battle unemployment in the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt creates the Civilian Conservation Corps, which spawns a "golden age" for the parks through major renovation .. show full overview
1x6
The Morning of Creation (1946–1980)
Episode overview
Following World War II, the parks are overwhelmed as visitation reaches 62 million people a year. A new billion-dollar campaign—Mission 66—is created to build facilities and .. show full overview