Features | American Experience | Official Site

The Forgotten Plague | Primary Source

The Land of Sunshine

The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce published a journal called The Land of Sunshine, filled with testimonials to the healing powers of the California climate. Read two testimonials here.

Roberto Clemente | Primary Source

Tributes to Clemente

On New Year’s Eve 1972, Clemente's plane crashed shortly after takeoff, killing the baseball star and all four crew members. Tributes followed.

Roberto Clemente | Primary Source

Roberto Clemente: MVP

In November 1960, Roberto Clemente was more than disappointed after finishing only eighth among National League players in the Baseball Writers Association’s Most Valuable Player balloting.

The Kennedys | Primary Source

The Kennedys: Is Democracy Finished?

In the Boston Sunday Globe of November 10, 1940, Ambassador Joe Kennedy shared his opinion: “Democracy is finished in England. It may be here.”

The Transcontinental Railroad | Primary Source

Transcontinental Railroad: Reports from the End of the Track

Harper's Weekly reported on the progress of the transcontinental railroad throughout its construction.

The Transcontinental Railroad | Primary Source

Transcontinental Railroad: Mark Twain on the Railroad

Mark Twain chronicled his experiences living and working out West in his book Roughing It, published in 1872.