Skip to main content
Back to Show
American Experience

The Task Ahead

Engineer Theodore Judah solved the great riddle of the Pacific Railroad when he reached Donner Pass. Judah immediately recognized the location as ideal for constructing a line through the Sierra Nevada. Judah's plans called for bridging rivers and ravines, carving 20-foot wide shelves out of sheer mountain faces and driving 18 tunnels -- one more than a 1000 feet long -- through solid granite.

Support Provided By
Season
The Perfect Crime
52:03
After attempting to commit the perfect crime, would two boys get the death penalty?
Bonnie & Clyde
52:41
Discover the true story of the most famous outlaw couple in U.S. history -- Bonnie & Clyde
Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid
52:42
Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid took a smart and methodical approach to robbery.
The Presidents
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:52:42
Night 2 of "JFK," a biography of one of our most popular and most mourned leaders.
JFK, Part 1
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:52:43
“JFK” presents a fresh look at the life and legacy of America’s 35th president.
Billy the Kid
52:41
A fascinating look at the myth and the man behind it.
My Lai
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:21
The 1968 My Lai massacre and its subsequent cover-up.
The Polio Crusade
52:01
In the 1950's a Polio outbreak swept the U.S., devastating communities nationwide.
The Presidents: George H.W. Bush (Part 2)
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:20:59
Part of the award-winning The Presidents collection.
The Presidents: George H.W. Bush (Part 1)
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:51:19
Part of the award-winning The Presidents collection.
Annie Oakley
52:47
Annie Oakley won fame and fortune as the little lady who never missed a shot.
Jesse James
50:30
A product of the American Civil War, James was less heroic than brutal.
Active loading indicator