Rediscovers America’s national wonders on a modern-day quest to unveil mysteries, uncover age-old legends, and reignite the rich history of exploration and conservation in the United States — all through the lens of a 19th-century book.
America: The Land We Live In airs Monday, February 26 at 8 p .m. on WXXI-TV.
One-hundred fifty years ago, a group of daring writers and artists set out across the country on an adventure to discover the “picturesque.” Their goal: to return with epic stories and drawings of their discoveries and inspire people to set out on their own to explore the beauty and wonder of the land and cities. Picturesque America, a gold-leafed, leather-bound compendium of their intrepid tales and intricate engravings, became the very first travel guide of America.
America: The Land We Live In takes you on a present-day treasure hunt to retrace the steps of those early explorers. Co-hosts Scott “Doc” Varn and Sophia Michelen— with the help of locals and experts — follow clues hidden in the original text and artwork of Picturesque America to uncover the “then and now” of these locations while exploring the culture, history, and beauty in each place.
Photo: Doc Varn and Sophia Michelen • Credit: Courtesy of World Life Productions
Recognize these illustrations?
These illustrations of Rochester were pulled from Picturesque America – a 19th century travel guide that celebrated the history, culture, and beauty of America. The program takes you on a treasure hunt across the country to rediscover locations from 150 years ago. Clues to find these sites are hidden in the engravings and tales of the guide book. How have the locations in the illustrations below changed in 150 years? The producers would love to know. Snap a photo, share it on Facebook and tag @americathelandwelivein and @wxxirochester, or use the hashtag #AmericaTheLandWeLiveIn.
