Legends & Lies

America is a sovereign nation after the Revolution but is beset by squabbling factions and financial debt. George Washington comes out of retirement and is elected president, and works to guarantee the rights for which he and his comrades fought so hard.

A profile of Francis Marion, a South Carolina militia officer, known for his guerrilla tactics that frustrated and tormented the occupying British army.

Benedict Arnold goes from a respected Continental Army general to America's most notorious traitor thanks to his plot to surrender West Point to the British and switch sides.

Thomas Jefferson becomes the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, which is used as a rallying cry by George Washington for his troops, during a desperate 1776 campaign to keep New York from falling into British hands.

George Washington's exploits as commander of the Continental Army, including his first victory in Boston and subsequent defeat in New York, are examined.

A profile of Benjamin Franklin includes his frequent trips to Europe; influence in the Second Continental Congress; and role in the American Revolution.

Lawyer John Adams represents the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre in 1770; colonists protest the Tea Act of 1773; the American Revolution begins in April 1775 at the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

When the oppressive hand of British rule begins to trample on colonial liberty, a secret group of rebels put their lives on the line to stand up to the crown. The “Sons of Liberty” get their start as smugglers who refuse to pay repressive taxes, but they soon evolve into an underground political force - fighting for American independence. Masterminds Paul Revere and Sam Adams lead the insurgent movement as their treasonous plans - punishable by death – secretly spread throughout the colonies. The simmering tensions erupt into chaos when a British customs agent murders an 11 year-old boy, triggering three days of riots and the infamous Boston Massacre. The American Revolution has begun.

A profile of Black Bart, a notorious stagecoach robber in the Old West.

A profile of Davy Crockett (1786-1836), a frontiersman, politician and folk hero, who died at the Battle of the Alamo.

A profile of Christopher Houston "Kit" Carson (1809-68) explores his reputation as a mountain man, wilderness guide and Army officer.

A profile of James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok features his reputation as a marksman and penchant for gambling.

A profile of John Henry "Doc" Holliday includes the gunfight at the O.K. corral.

A profile of Jesse James.