American Countryside

In the 1930s, it became the largest lake in the world. Interestingly, that record-setter was nestled in the undeveloped forest land of the Midwest…

This city park is over five times the size of Central Park in New York City.  People not only come here to enjoy nature and recreational opportunities, but many don’t realize the impact some of the acres in this park have on the industry of agriculture…

This town was founded on sawdust – in some cases quite literally.  While the mill and the homes are gone, one important building remains and it shares the story of a community that thrived in the early 1900s…

At the Parkin Archeological Park in Arkansas you can see a piece of wood that is believed to be a part of a cross erected by the explorer DeSoto in 1541.  That cross took on special meaning in this village when tensions between the two worlds ran high…

Long before European explorers first arrived in North America, Native American villages dotted the landscape of present day Arkansas.  One of the largest and finest such communities is preserved just west of Memphis…

Each May in Angels Camp, California, thousands of people will come to witness a contest that could pay a winner $20,000.  It’s a fun event that anyone can enter and many do make it a part of their family tradition each year…

In 1865 Mark Twain came to Angels Camp, California.  A tale he heard, or perhaps one he made up, became one he shared with others – a tale that helped launch his literary career…

It’s known as the Old Stone Fort, but using the tern “fort” is perhaps a bit liberal.  While the structure was strong, it served other purposes and the place still shares the story of the early history of east Texas today…

When a small store in Chico, California decided to have some fun and create a local yo yo contest, they never imagined what it might turn into.  Today it’s an event that draw huge crowds and sends winner to international competitions…

Imagine a yo you so large you needed a crane to lift it.  That’s exactly what this man created and the stunt helped his innovations to a long time toy create demand for his brand…