Chapter 1 | The Swamp

The idea of draining the Everglades became the goal of many entrepreneurs, politicians and salesmen who saw great potential in turning the massive wetland into a profitable enterprise. Altering the landscape of the Everglades unleashed a torrent of unintended consequences, from catastrophic floods to brutal droughts.
Told through the lives of a handful of colorful and resolute characters, from hucksters to politicians to unlikely activists, The Swamp explores the repeated efforts to transform what was seen as a vast and useless wasteland into an agricultural and urban paradise, ultimately leading to a passionate campaign to preserve America’s greatest wetland.
Learn more about our documentary, THE SWAMP, including where to watch the full film: www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexper...

[@AmericanExperiencePBS]

Learn more about our documentary, THE SWAMP, including where to watch the full film:

[@katsan88]

I did not know about the history of the Everglades. I am definitely reading A RiVer of Grass by stoneman douglas. I cried at the end of the documentary because the fever of development in south florida is more alive than ever and the little Everglades we have left are under the greatest pressure they have ever been. This really got me thinking of how foolish we humans are in thinking we can do a better job than nature at controlling the natural environment.

[@tredeuce]

Being from Florida, I am glad it is PBS who is going to shine the light on the ever worsening problem. If only the right people would pay attention....

[@bergfish7328]

🐢That's so interesting and well made -i can't wait for part 2.🐊

[@phylwilton1966]

I love that the newspaper misspelled Distton's name.

[@0351nick-ch8ee]

Such a shame that didn't work out.

[@trainroomgary]

Like • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@91jakx]

i love this, i want more!!! lol

[@charleshorseman55]

I love how they keep refering to southern FL as the "tropics" and can't show where it was.

[@vinista256]

Think of this disaster next time you hear anyone promise to “drain the swamp” 🙄

[@thomaswilliams8167]

The earth raped in the name of money and greedy prestige.

[@skipsassy1]

And we won World War II because of this farmland and millions upon millions got a chance at the American Dream - sure it's easy to play 20/20 now in 2021. PBS always does this.....

[@djsi38t]

Make this guy out to be the bad guy all you want,but what good he brought to south florida outweighs the environmental impact he had.