How the States Got Their Shapes

·2010 ·2 Seasons ·Documentary

Exploring the intricate history behind America's state boundaries, this engaging series reveals how borders were formed and examines intriguing topics such as failed states and proposals for new ones. It offers a rich tapestry of local culture and identity, highlighting both the literal and metaphorical "shapes" of each state. Host Brian Unger journeys across the country, meeting residents, visiting significant historical sites, and sharing his insights while driving. Notable historians contribute brief historical overviews, enriching the narrative and providing context to the stories behind the maps.

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Seasons & Episodes

Season 1 Season 1 20 ep

1

Episode 1

1983-02-28

1

A River Runs Through It

2011-05-03

2

Episode 2

1983-03-01

2

The Great Plains, Trains, and Automobiles

2011-05-10

3

Episode 3

1983-03-02

3

Force of Nature

2011-05-17

4

Episode 4

1983-03-03

4

State of Rebellion

2011-05-24

5

Episode 5

1983-03-04

5

Living on the Edge

2011-06-07

6

Episode 6

1983-03-07

6

Use it or Lose it

2011-06-14

7

Episode 7

1983-03-08

7

Church and States

2011-06-21

8

Episode 8

1983-03-09

8

A Boom with a View

2011-06-28

9

Episode 9

1983-03-10

9

Culture Clash

2011-07-05

10

Episode 10

1983-03-11

10

Mouthing Off

2011-07-12

Season 2 Season 2 26 ep

1

Red State vs. Blue State

2012-09-29

1

Episode 1

1983-05-02

2

White Collar vs. Blue Collar

2012-09-29

3

Hillbilly vs. Redneck

2012-10-06

3

Episode 3

1983-05-04

4

Episode 4

1983-05-05

4

Hatfields vs. McCoys

2012-10-06

5

Episode 5

1983-05-06

5

North vs. South

2012-10-13

6

Episode 6

1983-05-09

6

Bigfoot vs. Aliens

2012-10-13

7

Great Lakes, Big Stakes

2012-10-20

8

Episode 8

1983-05-11

8

Battle of the Bible Belt

2012-10-20

9

Vice vs. Virtue

2012-10-27

10

Episode 10

1983-05-13

10

Midwest vs. The Rest

2012-10-27

11

Is West Best?

2012-11-03

12

City vs. Country

2012-11-03

13

East vs. West

2012-11-10

14

Rebels & Outlaws

2012-11-17

15

Mess with Texas

2012-11-24

16

State vs. State

2012-12-08

17

Rich vs Poor

2012-12-15

18

Big vs Small

2012-12-22

19

The United Shapes of America

2012-12-22

Actors

Brian Unger

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