The discovery of gold nuggets in the Sacramento Valley in early 1848 sparked the Gold Rush, arguably one of the most significant events to shape American history during the first half of the 19th century. As news spread of the discovery, thousands of prospective gold miners traveled by sea or over land to San Francisco and the surrounding area; by the end of 1849, the non-native population of the California territory was some 100,000 (compared with the pre-1848 figure of less than 1,000). A total of $2 billion worth of precious metal was extracted from the area during the Gold Rush, which peaked in 1852. This captivating, new documentary series explores the stories of struggle and triumph of the thousands who risked everything for the pursuit of wealth and the illusive American Dream.

Mankind The Story of All of Us is an epic 12-hour television event about the greatest adventure of a...

Vera Atkins' files were kept sealed until after she died, but the story of the female spies and the ...

It is said to be one of the oldest books in the world. Has it been altered? If yes why? A remarkable...

WILD TRAVELS goes off the beaten path to celebrate America's unusual festivals, unknown museums and ...

How To Survive the End of the World examines terrifying and scientifically plausible doomsday scenar...

About Adolf Hitler's time in Germany. On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of ...

America from the Ground Up was filmed on location at archaeological and historical sites throughout ...

Tutored by Aristotle, helpless witness to his father's assassination, and a brilliant, pioneering ta...

This series explores the facts and investigates the truth behind the British Redcoat Army's campaign...
Rageh Omaar visits Spain, Sicily and France to discover the history of Islam in Europe

The story of the Second World War through the personal accounts of a handful of men and women from f...

A showcase of the wonders, secrets and fragilities of the Americas, narrated by Tom Hanks.

How four iconic British-built trains revolutionised rail travel and inspired incredible railway proj...

The naturalist visits uncharted territory in pursuit of new discoveries. Steve Backshall takes on ph...

Carla Hall travels around the world to track down the unexpected lineage and international origins o...